In the Southeast Asian region, comprising 11 countries, with the exception of Singapore, all are economically underdeveloped. Coupled with geographical features, motorcycles have become the preferred mode of transportation for the people in Southeast Asia. According to data, Thailand has a staggering 15 million motorcycles for a population of just 70 million, meaning nearly 1 in 5 people owns a motorcycle. Vietnam, with over 45 million motorcycles and a population of just over 90 million, translates to roughly 1 motorcycle for every 2 people. As a manufacturing powerhouse, motorcycles are a crucial industry in China. Despite sharing a border with Southeast Asia, almost none of the motorcycles on the roads in these countries are manufactured in China; the majority originate from Japan. Statistics reveal that Japanese motorcycles hold a market share of over 95% in Southeast Asia, with the remaining market divided among motorcycles from South Korea, Europe, and other regions. China's motorcycle market share is less than 1%. In fact, Chinese motorcycles once had a glorious history in the Southeast Asian market. Before 1998, Japanese motorcycles dominated the region. However, around 1999, Chinese motorcycle companies entered Southeast Asia, rapidly capturing the market through aggressive pricing. At its peak, China's market share reached 80%, nearly pushing Japanese motorcycles out. However, this prosperity was short-lived. By around 2016, China's motorcycle market share had dwindled to less than 5%, and today it's less than 1%. Why did China completely lose to Japan in the Southeast Asian market?