Southeast Asia in China: historical entanglements and contemporary engagements.

The article discusses the book "Southeast Asia in China: historical entanglements and contemporary engagements" by Ying-kit Chan and Chang-Yau Hoon. The book aims to address the power asymmetry in discussions about China's rise by exploring the reciprocal dynamics between China and Southeast Asia. It focuses on three central themes: the periphery, people, and ideas. The authors examine the centrality and agency of Southeast Asia(ns) in their interactions with China, analyze the role of non-state actors in the region, and critically interrogate the ideas that China has developed through its interactions with Southeast Asia. The book provides a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between China and Southeast Asia and is recommended for students and scholars of international relations. [Extracted from the article]