A recent survey conducted by a Singapore-based think tank suggests a significant shift in sentiments towards China in Southeast Asia, with more than half of respondents expressing a preference for Beijing over Washington.
The State of Southeast Asia 2024 survey, released by the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, reveals that 50.5 percent of participants would choose China if compelled to make a decision, marking an increase of over 11 percentage points from the previous year.
This shift marks the first time that China has been favored over the U.S. in the survey’s history.
In contrast, last year’s survey showed that only 38.9 percent of respondents leaned towards China, with the majority, 61.1 percent, preferring the U.S., Al Jazeera reports.
However, alongside recognizing China’s economic prowess, respondents also expressed apprehension about Beijing’s increasing economic influence. Approximately 67.5 percent of participants expressed concerns about China’s growing economic clout, with the highest levels of worry reported in Vietnam, Myanmar, Thailand, and the Philippines.
Moreover, over half of the survey respondents indicated fears that China might utilize its economic and military might to coerce nations in the region. Additionally, 45.5 percent of participants admitted to harboring a lack of trust in China, highlighting underlying anxieties about Beijing’s intentions.
Despite the growing preference for China, Japan, the U.S., and the European Union emerged as the most trusted regional powers among respondents, with varying levels of confidence placed in each. Japan garnered the highest level of trust, followed by the U.S. and the EU, indicating a complex geopolitical landscape in Southeast Asia.
