Understanding Southeast Asia 2. Relations Between Continental Countries.
In the first part, we primarily explored the background that shaped modern Southeast Asia. The second part delves into the relationships between nations that stem from this background. Specifically, it's about who dislikes whom and why, revealing the circumstances of each country. Understanding this can unveil the seemingly complex and hidden realities of Southeast Asia.
As mentioned towards the end of the first part, the most disliked country in Southeast Asia is Thailand. Why is this? It's because Thailand represents a traditional powerhouse in the region. To reiterate, Southeast Asia is historically divided into the continental countries of Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, and the maritime countries of Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, East Timor, Brunei, and the Philippines. Conflicts are natural when countries in close geographical proximity clash over interests.
However, Southeast Asia's ability to have its own league, so to speak, is thanks to its geography. Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam share borders with China. But they are separated by the vast plateau formed by the tail end of the Himalayas and the Hengduan Mountain Range. To descend into Southeast Asia, China would have to traverse the narrow plains of northern Vietnam. For thousands of years, Vietnam has borne the brunt of this, acting as a barrier. If Vietnam had not served as an effective buffer, Southeast Asia might have struggled to withstand the dominant influence of China.