Abstract:
As a strategic land bridge between China and Southeast Asia, the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS)
has become a vital focal point in the implementation of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Through mechanisms such as the Lancang–Mekong Cooperation (LMC), large-scale infrastructure
projects, and soft power instruments, China is steadily expanding its presence and reshaping the
regional power architecture. This article examines those strategic maneuvers, arguing that while the
BRI presents significant opportunities for economic development and regional connectivity, it also
poses serious risks, including debt dependency, environmental degradation, and institutional
vulnerabilities. These risks, if not effectively managed, may undermine ASEAN’s centrality and
strategic autonomy in the region. Based on this assessment, the paper proposes that Vietnam adopt a
proactive, flexible, and multi-dimensional approach to maximize gains, mitigate risks, and maintain
strategic equilibrium in the subregion.
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