In many ways, ASEAN , particularly member states like the Philippines and Vietnam, welcome US interest in the region as the latter is seen to be the only power that could balance the influence of China
• In addition to the US, Japan also seems to be interested to play a part in Southeast Asian security under PM Abe in the light of the challenge from China
• Specifically, PM Abe has visited all ASEAN states. He has offered to sell patrol boats to the Philippine and Vietnamese coast guards and help ASEAN states to strengthen their maritime capacity