The US maintains a comprehensive and robust presence throughout Southeast Asia that has grown dramatically since the 1980s. It includes the commercial, security, education and diplomatic, and other domains. However, this presence is not very well appreciated or reported by regional media, whereas China's presence and influence is pervasive. Most Southeast Asian governments are often reluctant to recognize or publicize the US presence or contributions to regional security, stability, and growth. As US-China competition escalates, Southeast Asia will become an epicentre of this competition. Southeast Asian states and ASEAN must elevate their own emphasis and engagement with the US. The US brings many more strengths and benefits than does China and is a far more comprehensive actor in the region. In particular, it would be helpful if ASEAN and its member states would more publicly recognize the contributions and importance of the US.

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