Geostrategic competition between the EU and China in the Greater Mekong subregion

Abstract

The Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) has recently emerged as a new focal point of geostrategic competition between China and the European Union (EU). China has expanded its influence through the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation initiative and large-scale infrastructure projects, whereas the EU has prioritized sustainable development cooperation, the promotion of good governance, and human rights. This article analyzes the divergence between China's “hard power” approach and the EU's “soft power” strategy, and assesses their impacts on downstream countries, including Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Myanmar. It offers a comprehensive evaluation of the strategies and approaches adopted by China and the EU in the Greater Mekong Subregion.