Nov 28, 2025

I recently heard about China’s ambitious engineering drive and how it’s becoming a major factor in the competition between the U.S. and China, especially across the Indo-Pacific region. There’s a new book called Breakneck: China’s Quest to Engineer the Future that explores the origins of China’s modernization efforts and the strategic consequences this push has for both regional and global dynamics. The book highlights how China is aligning its infrastructure projects with Southeast Asia’s integration goals, which presents both opportunities and challenges for countries in that region.

China’s push in engineering and infrastructure is closely linked to its Belt and Road Initiative, with projects like Indonesia’s high-speed rail—which recently went through debt restructuring—and the ASEAN Power Grid. These projects are examples of China’s strategy to deepen economic ties and extend its influence throughout Southeast Asia. However, the situation is complex, as cooperation often coexists with competition, and China’s mixed results in parts of the Global South, along with migration trends into Southeast Asia, add layers of difficulty to the regional landscape.

A key point from the book is the idea of asymmetric capabilities between China and the U.S., which will shape the future of their rivalry. Both countries are adjusting their economies and security approaches in anticipation of intensified competition, especially in areas like technology, artificial intelligence, and critical infrastructure. This rivalry goes beyond traditional military and economic competition, touching on sectors that could determine long-term global influence.

These developments have implications far beyond Southeast Asia, affecting the broader Indo-Pacific region and the global order. China’s engineering ambitions are not just technological feats but strategic tools to secure influence in vital regions. The interaction between China’s modernization efforts and U.S. countermeasures will likely define the economic and security frameworks for decades to come, with ASEAN nations playing a crucial role in this evolving environment.

In summary, what stands out is how infrastructure and technology projects are now deeply woven into geopolitical competition. The future of U.S.-China relations will depend heavily on how each country manages their respective strengths and weaknesses, as well as how regional players balance the risks and opportunities that come with China’s rapid engineering advancements.

Stay Well!