IMPLICATIONS ON SOUTHEAST ASIA’S ENERGY Change
Environmental action can be a crucial factor in a tense social environment where there is conflict between US and China.
On the one hand, Southeast Asia offers a chance for the US to increase its investments in the country’s transition to clean energy. A total primary energy supply target of 23 percent by 2025 has been set by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations ( ASEAN ).  ,  ,
Through the US-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the first ASEAN-US Ministerial Dialogue on Environment and Climate Change in 2023, the US and ASEAN made some progress in this area.
But, whether Trump will support ASEAN’s environment cooperation initiatives is still to be seen.  , During his last term as president, the Trump presidency probably saw Southeast Asia as a low-priority place within the wider Asia-Pacific.
China is likely to react titbit-for-tat with Trump’s America First policy and strategy vows to pass protectionist measures like rough tariffs. Moreover, the US do ramp up its contest with China in solar energy.
Southeast Asia would generally be a mixed bag from these developments. With other nations attempting to expand their source stores, there are likely to be more options and investments in the region.
Following any repercussions from US and Chinese interventionist measures, the area may also experience disruptions or cost-increased costs for crucial minerals and efficient technologies.  ,  ,  ,