Southeast Asia Shifts Allegiance to China Over U.S., Survey Reveals

The landmark survey highlights a complex geopolitical landscape, with economic ties and security concerns driving regional preferences.

A recent survey reveals that for the first time, Southeast Asians prefer aligning with China over the U.S., marking a significant shift in regional preferences.
Despite the overall tilt towards China, countries like the Philippines and Vietnam, which have territorial disputes with Beijing, continue to favor the U.S.
The survey, conducted by the ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute, highlights China's growing influence in Southeast Asia, partly due to its economic and military power.
Concerns about China's intentions and the potential threat to sovereignty and regional stability are prevalent, with a notable distrust towards Beijing among respondents.
The geopolitical rivalry between the U.S. and China in Southeast Asia is influenced by factors such as economic benefits, foreign policy actions, and regional security concerns.