Chinese-made fighter jets, drones, naval vessels, missile systems, and surveillance technologies are increasingly common sights in the arsenals of Southeast Asian states. But the pivot is not confined to the “mainland” Southeast Asian states. First, as Southeast Asian nations acquire Chinese military systems and engage in joint exercises, their operational dependence on Beijing grows. This is further compounded by the inability of the West overall to even present itself as a reliable military partner. Southeast Asian leaders are navigating an increasingly complex geopolitical environment where the US and China both vie for influence through economic ties, military cooperation, and diplomatic engagement.