ISAS Special Reports

Artificial intelligence (AI) governance is becoming a major policy challenge in the Indo-Pacific as AI increasingly shapes economic competitiveness, national security, digital sovereignty and workforce transformation. While the United States (US) and China dominate global AI development, the Southeast Asian countries are developing their own approaches to harness AI’s benefits while managing risks related to regulation, jobs and technological dependence.

This Special Report examines how the Southeast Asian nations are balancing opportunities from both US and Chinese AI investments without becoming overly reliant on either. It also highlights the importance of cooperation with Germany and Europe to promote shared principles that ensure AI development supports openness, human dignity and a stable international order.