Impressive economic growth and development made ASEAN an increasingly important geopolitical block. In the past few decades, China invested heavily in Southeast Asia through its Belt and Road Initiative and strengthened its ties with the ten countries. The result has been widespread economic growth, greater trade and investment flows, and growth in education and technology. Recently, the US, Japan, and Australia created a counterforce to China, building an agenda around climate change issues, new investments in infrastructure development, and on issues of security and regional diplomacy. How will ASEAN balance the conflicting global interests in their region?  Altamar hosts Peter Schechter and Muni Jensen are joined by Niharika Mandhana, the Wall Street Journal’s Bureau Chief for Southeast Asia. Altamar’s ‘Téa’s Take’ by Téa Ivanovic delves into the youth-driven tech boom throughout Southeast Asia.      ----- Produced by Simpler Media