By benefiting from ASEAN’s preference for strategic autonomy and non-alignment, China is advancing its interests without directly confronting Washington’s alliance network. It is a diplomatic community rooted in consensus, sovereignty, and strategic autonomy. Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and others prioritize strategic autonomy and diversified partnerships. The key question is not whether ASEAN states will choose Washington or Beijing, but whether they can preserve real space for independent decisions. It will be decided in ASEAN’s diplomatic, economic, and institutional space — the true strategic center of gravity in US –China competition.