Thailand’s strategic alignment with China has increasingly undermined its long-standing military ties with the United States, as reported on January 5, 2026. The country has reportedly procured over $400 million in Chinese military equipment since 2016, surpassing US supplies, further diminishing American influence in Southeast Asia. This shift poses risks to regional stability, particularly for India, as it could enhance China’s military presence in the Indo-Pacific, threaten critical maritime routes, and reduce US deterrence capabilities. Consequently, India’s maritime security interests may be jeopardized amid ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, emphasizing the need for New Delhi to adapt its defense strategies in response to the evolving geopolitical landscape.