Populist politicians in South East Asia aka the elites, many of whom are US educated like the article said, they probably have misconception that their public are anti China, so many might try to act tough on China to gain votes. But if their public is not so hostile to China, they might change their direction. South East Asia market becoming more important than ever to China today, and with the crisis in Europe and America, both China and South East Asia need to deepen their economic cooperation for a win win relationship. I just hope China doesn't make a mistake of being mercantilist or seeking short term gain, China need to build a win win long lasting relationship with ASEAN countries, that include opening more Chinese market for ASEAN. China also need to engage with the elites, especially on the think thanks side, many of which are funded by the west. We have a saying here in Indonesia about our officials, Indonesia is their first home, and America is their second, which is ironically true for many of them, they do own houses in America and fat bank account over there, LOL.