Exploring regional and global implications of US-China strategic competition

Front row, from left: Dr Stephen Leong, Dr Tan and Prof Nathan with participants

UTAR warmly welcomed Prof K.S. Nathan, president of the Malaysian Association for American Studies (MAAS), to deliver a talk titled “U.S. - China Strategic Competition: Regional and Global Implication” on 16 August 2023 at Sungai Long Campus. The talk was collaboratively organised by UTAR Centre for International Studies (CIS) and MAAS. Moderating the talk was Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Visiting Fellow Dr Stephen Leong.

Also present were Faculty of Creative Industries (FCI) Dean Dr David Tneh Cheng Eng, CIS Chairperson Dr Tan Wooi Yee, and Faculty of Accountancy and Management (FAM) academics Dr Sia Bee Chuan and Dr Omar Hamdan Mohammad Alkharabsheh.

Prof Nathan began the talk by clarifying some essential international relations terminology to the audience. Drawing from his thorough research and insightful perspective, he explained the critical facets of the China-US strategic rivalry, covering ideology, economy, technology, South China Sea disputes, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He delved into executions and counteractions in this competition. Notably, tensions between the US and China could yield significant economic repercussions for Asia due to trade strains on regional supply chains. China’s growing economy might also have favourable effects on Asia, including ASEAN.

In summary, Prof Nathan’s analysis revealed the West’s struggles to match China’s influence in Development Aid, credit, loans, grants, and infrastructure across Africa and Asia, leading to significant political and economic leverage. He highlighted the ongoing power struggle between the US and China, with China’s challenge extending to trade, investment, foreign aid and technology. Both China and Russia share a revisionist stance, aiming to reshape the global order in favour of their interests. Recent events, such as the Niger military coup, underscored challenges to remnants of Western colonialism. The decline of Pax Americana compared to China’s rise signifies a shifting global landscape, indicative of a transition from unipolarity to multipolarity.

Following a stimulating Q&A session, the event concluded with a pleasant exchange of souvenirs and a memorable group photograph.

Prof Nathan sharing his insightful analysis of the US and China competition in international politics

Dr Stephen Leong sharing his view on the topic

Audiences in the hall focusing on Prof Nathan’s talk

 

Dr Tan presenting souvenirs to Prof Nathan (left pic) and Dr Stephen Leong (right pic)

Profile

Prof Nathan is a Principal Fellow at the Institute of Ethnic Studies (KITA), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). He holds a PhD in International Relations from Claremont Graduate University, USA, along with degrees in history, law, and education. He was a professor at the University of Malaya and a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS), Singapore. He has held various leadership positions, including President of the Malaysian Association for American Studies (MAAS).