Southeast Asia Forced to Choose as US and China Split on AI

Southeast Asian nations are being pressured to pick sides as the United States and China build rival artificial intelligence (AI) alliances, a new report says. The two superpowers are competing for influence over AI standards, technology, and infrastructure. This puts countries in Southeast Asia in a difficult position, as they rely on both for trade and investment. The region has become a key battleground in the wider US-China technology rivalry. Nations there must decide which AI system to adopt, with major economic and security consequences. The report warns that the pressure to choose could slow AI development across Southeast Asia and deepen divisions in the region.