ASEAN citizens place more trust in China than US: Survey
With the focal point of the global power contest shifting to the Asia-Pacific region, the people of ASEAN member countries perceive China as their primary ally
The ISEAS think tank, based in Singapore, examined the perspectives of citizens in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries regarding major players in global power dynamics. The study revealed that ASEAN citizens tend to favor partnering with China.
During a period when the U.S. is increasing its pressure tactics on China and escalating trade disputes, ISEAS gauged the preferences of ASEAN countries’ citizens.
While the U.S. is focused on strengthening cooperation with international organizations to address issues related to China, ASEAN citizens are advocating for their countries to engage in collaboration directly with China.
According to a survey in the report “The State of Southeast Asia-2024,” 50.1% of respondents articulated that broadening collaboration with China serves the interests of their own countries. Some 49.5% of respondents contended that cooperating with the U.S. holds greater importance.
For the first time since 2020, this survey conducted by ISEAS shows that China has surpassed the U.S. as the preferred partner.
Source: ISEAS
