From January 22–24, 2025, Lt. Gen. Joshua M. Rudd, deputy commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, traveled to Brunei for high-level meetings with government officials. His visit also included engagements with British soldiers stationed at Tuker Lines and a discussion with students at the Defense Academy Royal Brunei Armed Forces Headquarters. The visit emphasized strengthening people-to-people ties, exploring avenues for deeper military cooperation, and reinforcing Brunei’s role in regional security dialogues.
The timing of this visit—just two weeks before the Sultan of Brunei’s trip to Beijing—offers insight into Brunei’s delicate balancing act between the United States and China. As a small but strategically positioned nation, Brunei appears committed to maintaining strong relationships with both superpowers, navigating the ongoing great power competition with a pragmatic approach. This dual engagement suggests Brunei is seeking economic and security benefits from both sides rather than aligning too closely with either. Such a stance allows Brunei to attract investment and diplomatic engagement without being pulled into direct rivalry.
For U.S. companies, Brunei’s neutral positioning presents a unique opportunity. With continued investment from both the U.S. and China, Brunei is poised to become an attractive hub for business expansion, infrastructure projects, and technology partnerships. Its openness to dual engagement creates a stable economic environment insulated from geopolitical tensions, making it a promising location for U.S. firms looking to expand in Southeast Asia without the risks associated with broader U.S.-China trade frictions. Companies in energy, logistics, and digital infrastructure stand to benefit from Brunei’s growing role as a regional investment destination.
