The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) has, from the point of view of the big powers, become an important factor in the balance of power struggle. Political as well as economic reasons seem to suggest closer relations with the People’s Republic of China.

This article explores the potential economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis on China’s outward foreign direct investment (OFDI), especially that involving Chinese state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in the Belt-Road countries. It also aims to understand the attitude of relevant stakeholders toward...