INDIAN STRATEGIC CHANGES IN SOUTHEAST ASIA IN THE COMPETITION WITH CHINA AFTER THE COLD WAR

Abstract

Chinese noticeable development after the Reform 1978 and its recent changes in policies to Southeast Asia affect the power balance in the region and threaten the Indian influence there. Since 1991, India has changed from the “Look East Policy” to the “Act East Policy” to maintain its position and influence over Southeast Asian countries. This paper wants to analyze the role and impact of China, especially the Chinese – Indian competition towards Indian strategical changes in Southeast Asia after the Cold War; and the differences between the LEP and the AEP to show Indian changes in policies and perspective in Southeast Asia. The article argues that India policies in this region are re-actions and responses towards Chinese expansion rather than proposing a new strategy to constructively cooperate in Southeast Asia.