This illustration represents the findings from a 2024 poll by the ASEAN Studies Centre at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute. The survey, which included nearly 2,000 participants, inquired about their concerns or acceptance of the increasing geopolitical sway of China and the United States within their nations.
The survey encompassed member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which is comprised of 10 Southeast Asian countries. Attitudes Towards China A considerable portion of participants from each of the 10 nations expressed concern over the escalating influence of both the U.S. and China.
Nonetheless, apprehension is more pronounced towards China, with 74% expressing concern (compared to 59% for the U.S.). Lingering yet diminished disputes over the South China Sea’s sovereignty could be influencing these views, particularly in nations with claims to the region.
For instance, in Vietnam, an overwhelming 95% of those surveyed are apprehensive about China’s expanding influence. Attitudes Towards America On the other hand, the Philippines (69%) and Vietnam (55%)—both contenders in the South China Sea disputes—greet the growing influence of America positively. However, regionally, the number of respondents who are anxious about the increasing American influence (59%) surpasses those who are receptive to it (41%).
Remarkably, nearly every ASEAN country seems to favor one superpower over the other.
Thailand stands out as the sole exception, with the majority of its surveyed population uneasy about both powers, with 84% concerned about China, and 80% about the U.S.
Key points:
- Regional Concerns: The survey highlights that Southeast Asia's primary concerns are unemployment, climate change, and the growing economic tensions between major powers
- Geopolitical Stance: The region's top geopolitical worry is the Israel-Hamas conflict. Interestingly, China has surpassed the US as the preferred ally if ASEAN nations had to choose sides in the US-China rivalry
- Survey Demographics: The survey reached out to 1,994 individuals, with the highest number of respondents from Singapore (273), followed by Indonesia (265) and Malaysia (225)
- Economic Influence: China is viewed as the most influential economic power in the region by 59.5% of respondents, outpacing the US by a significant margin
- Strategic Influence: In terms of political-strategic influence, 43.9% see China as the leading power, again ahead of the US
- ASEAN's Response to Rivalry: About half of the respondents believe ASEAN should enhance its resilience and unity to fend off pressure from the two major powers
- Shift in Preference: There has been an 11.6% increase since 2023 in respondents preferring to partner with China over the United States, marking a significant shift in regional preference
These insights provide a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics and sentiments within ASEAN countries regarding the influence of global superpowers. The information reflects the nuanced perspectives that exist in the region, shaped by both historical ties and current geopolitical developments
Source:
(1) The State of Southeast Asia: 2024 Survey Report. https://www.iseas.edu.sg/centres/asean-studies-centre/state-of-southeast-asia-survey/the-state-of-southeast-asia-2024-survey-report/.
(2) ASEAN is more pro-China than US: Survey - The Jakarta Post. https://www.thejakartapost.com/world/2024/04/04/asean-is-more-pro-china-than-us-survey.html.
(3) Survey shows Southeast Asians favor China over U.S. - CGTN. https://news.cgtn.com/news/2024-04-03/Survey-shows-Southeast-Asians-favor-China-over-U-S--1suMq3QIEXm/p.html.
(4) Is Southeast Asia Leaning More Toward China? | TIME. https://time.com/6962557/china-us-asean-southeast-asia-rivalry-survey/.
(5) ASEAN: Annual Survey Shows Turn in Favor of China | RANE. https://library.stratfor.com/situation-report/asean-annual-survey-shows-turn-favor-china.
(6) SOUTHEAST ASIA 2024 - iseas.edu.sg. https://www.iseas.edu.sg/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/The-State-of-SEA-2024.pdf.
(7) State of Southeast Asia Survey - ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute. https://www.iseas.edu.sg/category/centres/asean-studies-centre/state-of-southeast-asia-survey/
