For decades, Beijing has sought to co-opt and lure its Southeast Asian neighbors into acquiescence with its maritime expansion through a package of economic incentives, military intimidation and a diplomatic charm offensive.
Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia are challenging Beijing in court and at sea


Indonesia's President Joko Widodo stands on the deck of its naval ship at Selat Lampa Port, Natuna Islands which overlap with the tip of China's nine-dashed-line on Jan. 8. © Indonesian Presidential Office/AP
For decades, Beijing has sought to co-opt and lure its Southeast Asian neighbors into acquiescence with its maritime expansion through a package of economic incentives, military intimidation and a diplomatic charm offensive.