Journal of Economics and Management Volume 22, No. 1 March, 2026

European Union’s Response to the Belt and Road Initiative in Southeast Asia

Michal Fliegel

Bachelor’s Program of International Business Administration (BIBA), Feng Chia University, Taiwan

Yu-Kuan Lin

Bachelor’s Program of International Business Administration (BIBA), Feng Chia University, Taiwan

Abstract

This article analyzes the behavior of China and the EU towards ASEAN countries in the South China Sea. Beijing has been increasing its regional presence in hard and soft ways. However, Brussels also wants to deepen its regional partnerships, especially with like-minded countries. Both actors have overlapping economic and political interests in the area. These will be interpreted from the rational choice theoretical perspective. China and the EU use mainly infrastructural projects as a means of increasing their influence over Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and Philippines. In China’s case it is via the Belt and Road Initiative, and the EU has the Global Gateway. Foreign policy analysis is employed as a methodological tool in putting forward the goals, means, and projects implemented. Trading data, reports, and opinion polls show whether China or the EU is more successful. This research likewise shines more light on specific behaviors and the overall functioning of both initiatives.

Keywords：European Union, China, Southeast Asia, Rational Choice Theory, Foreign Policy Analysis

JEL Classifications：F5

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