# China strategic expansion in Asia-Pacific > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/china-strategic-expansion-in-asia-pacific > Updated: 2026-10-18T23:22:59.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. China is expanding its strategic influence in the Asia-Pacific region through both economic and military means. Economically, Beijing is utilizing statecraft to target the vulnerabilities of American allies, leveraging market access and supply chain control to impact security partnerships like the United States-South Korea alliance. Additionally, China has reportedly mitigated its ‘Malacca Dilemma’ by developing overland pipelines and large oil stockpiles, potentially shifting the impact of maritime blockades toward energy-dependent island economies. Simultaneously, China is modernizing its military capabilities, including naval expansion, hypersonic missiles, and space capabilities. This military growth is shifting regional power dynamics and increasing tensions in the South China Sea. In response to the US-China rivalry, some Southeast Asian nations, such as Malaysia, are reassessing defense procurement by acquiring affordable Chinese military equipment to bridge capability gaps, despite risks of strategic dependence. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-18: China military expansion shifts Asia-Pacific power dynamics China's military modernization and advanced weaponry are shifting the Asia-Pacific power balance, prompting Southeast Asian nations like Malaysia to weigh the benefits of affordable Chinese defense equipment. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/china-military-expansion-shifts-asia-pacific-power-dynamics ### 2026-10-06: China leverages economic statecraft to expand regional influence China is leveraging economic statecraft and improved energy security to expand its influence in Asia, potentially weakening U.S. alliances and reducing the effectiveness of maritime blockades. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/china-leverages-economic-statecraft-to-expand-regional-influence --- Cite as: China strategic expansion in Asia-Pacific. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/china-strategic-expansion-in-asia-pacific