Southeast Asia Shifts Preference from US to China Amid Geopolitical Concerns

• •52% of Southeast Asian respondents prefer China over the US as a partner.
• •Concerns about US leadership have surpassed worries about China's South China Sea actions.
• •The survey reflects a significant decline in US influence in Southeast Asia.

A recent survey by the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute reveals a significant shift in Southeast Asia's geopolitical preferences, with 52% of respondents favoring China over the US, which received 48%. This marks a reversal from the previous year when 52.3% preferred the US. The survey included 2,008 participants from 11 ASEAN countries, highlighting a growing concern over US global leadership, particularly under President Trump. Over half of the respondents now cite US leadership as their primary geopolitical worry, surpassing concerns about China's actions in the South China Sea. Countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore show stronger support for China, indicating a broader regional trend. The findings reflect a decline in US influence and a potential realignment of partnerships in Southeast Asia as the region navigates complex geopolitical dynamics.