In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, Dr Jason Lim, from the University of Wollongong, joins host and former student Steve Kuper to discuss China’s history of engaging with Southeast Asia, the impact of the Cold War, and the political concerns of the region’s Chinese diaspora.

• The pair begin the podcast detailing China’s long history of engaging and influencing the Southeast Asian nations, dating back to the pre-colonial era, and the role this long history continues to play in the way Southeast Asian nations engage with the rising superpower.
• They then discuss how the Cold War never really ended in the region, with the ideological, economic, political, and strategic competition between China and the United States continuing to simmer behind the scenes despite the collapse of the Soviet Union.
• Finally, the pair discuss the economic, political, and cultural influence of the region’s Chinese diaspora and how Australia’s neighbours have embraced members of the Chinese community and a shared history to help balance national interests with national security concerns.

Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team