Why a highlight of China’s Two Sessions could pose as a double-edged sword for Southeast Asia

  • Even as Beijing presses on with a ‘dual circulation’ economic strategy focused on domestic consumption, it needs regional partners to secure supply chains
  • Asean members stand to benefit, but experts warn that amid the US-China competition smaller countries risk getting ‘trapped’ in China’s orbit

The National People’s Congress opens at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China. Photo: Xinhua
With China’s annual parliamentary meetings known as the Two Sessions in full swing, Southeast Asian countries are keeping a close eye on what Beijing says about its economic goals, including its “dual circulation” strategy that focuses on domestic consumption and internal development to ensure self sufficiency.

First spelt out in May last year, the plan places greater emphasis on the domestic market, or internal circulation, and less on overseas markets and technology – though it does not abandon these latter two altogether.

Print option is available for subscribers only.
SUBSCRIBE NOW
Copyright © 2025 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.