There are concerns about China's recent actions in the Spratly Islands, which could help motivate a dialogue with the Chinese and develop stronger security institutions in the region. Southeast Asian nations appreciate the enormous challenge China faces as masses of its citizens migrate from rural areas to the cities and the economy struggles to create 270 million jobs in the next 10 years just to sustain the employment rate at its current level. Russia is viewed as a declining threat and a waning force in the region. Russia's absence as a player in Southeast Asia has had a profound impact on the regional security environment. Relationships built during the Cold War period are currently being restructured due to the absence of Soviet influence in the region.
Japan is seen as a benign military power, unable to counter China.
Japan is expected to assume a more assertive economic role and continue in a passive politico-military role. China expects intensified competition in the region. Its main interests are for Asian nations to focus on economic development quickly, and for China to be recognized as a great Asian power to be treated with respect and deference. India's long experiment with self-sufficient socialism and its friendly relationship with the Soviet Union have isolated it from the region. India's interests in Southeast Asia include becoming trading partners with Southeast Asian countries and ensuring a balanced regional power structure.