Introduction

The Chinese first settled in South-East Asia or Nanyang over 2,000 years ago, establishing small trading posts, which in time grew and prospered. There was little contact with local inhabitants and their presence was tolerated by the regional rulers. Later, unrest and periodic upheaval in China encouraged further emigration, which reached significant proportions in the 19th century. By this time the region, with the exception of Thailand, had been colonised by Western powers and the resultant economic expansion gave further impetus to the influx of Chinese labour. Meanwhile Chinese settlers, by dint of enterprise, hard work and concerted effort had come to control much of the economy. Japanese occupation during World War II dislodged the colonial powers, who after a short lived return granted independence throughout the region. The countries of South-East Asia are today mostly stable and prosperous; their Chinese minorities are now largely assimilated politically and their economic strength is accepted. They also play a leading role in the advance of modern China; the Overseas Chinese now providing a large part of all the foreign investment. Relations between the Peoples Republic of China and the Chinese of South-East Asia are excellent and close ties are encouraged. The Chinese from China differ in many ways from the Chinese from the rest of the region although they still have much in common.