Why Southeast Asia feels relief and caution after the Xi - Trump summit

Following the recent summit between President Xi Jinping and President-elect Donald Trump, Southeast Asian nations have expressed a sense of relief regarding the potential for stabilized relations between the United States and China. The diplomatic thaw is viewed as a positive development that may reduce regional pressure and decrease the likelihood of open friction concerning the South China Sea.

Despite this optimism, regional observers maintain a stance of caution. While the summit has provided a temporary reprieve from heightened tensions, fundamental geopolitical disputes between the two superpowers remain unresolved, leaving the long-term stability of the region uncertain.