CONNECTING ASIA: THE RISE OF CHINA’S DIGITAL SILK ROAD IN ASEAN COUNTRIES

Southeast Asia has emerged as a crucial hub for China's Digital Silk Road (DSR), owing to the region's increasing digital economy, young population, and geopolitical prominence. Between 2017 and 2023, Chinese companies such as Huawei, Alibaba, and ZTE made significant investments in ASEAN's digital infrastructure, including 5G networks, smart hospitals, data centers, and e-commerce platforms, while initiatives such as Huawei's "Seeds for the Future" increased technological capability. This study looks at how ASEAN countries deal with China's DSR while balancing national interests, regulatory frameworks, and digital development aspirations. The research identifies both opportunities and challenges based on case studies, policy analysis, and assessments of regional governance mechanisms. While Chinese investments have accelerated digital transformation, ASEAN member countries are also implementing regulatory safeguards, fostering regional cooperation, and advancing strategies such as the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025 and the Digital Economy Framework Agreement to protect sovereignty and promote interoperability. The findings highlight the region's attempts to attract foreign investment while developing secure, inclusive, and autonomous digital ecosystems that will influence its role in the global digital order.