# China overtakes the U.S. as the most favored ally in Southeast Asia

- Link: https://www.thailand-business-news.com/asean/134777-china-overtakes-the-u-s-as-the-most-favored-ally-in-southeast-asia
- Published: 2024-04-05T15:40:05+07:00
- Author: Boris Sullivan

The survey conducted by the ASEAN Studies Centre found that most Southeast Asians
would prefer to align with China over the U.S. if they had to choose sides.

## Key Takeaways

 * A majority of Southeast Asians would align with China over the U.S., but some
   countries still prefer Washington due to concerns over Beijing’s South China 
   Sea claims.
 * China has emerged as the most strategically relevant partner for ASEAN, surpassing
   the U.S., while Japan remains the most trusted major power in the region.
 * Southeast Asians expressed concerns over China’s economic and military power,
   and highlighted the need for ASEAN to build resilience against pressures from
   both the U.S. and China.

The survey conducted by the ASEAN Studies Centre at ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute 
in Singapore gathered responses from 1,994 participants from various sectors in 
the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), with the highest number of participants
from Singapore and Indonesia.

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The survey showed that China is considered the most strategically relevant partner
for ASEAN, surpassing the U.S., while Japan remains the most trusted major power
in the region.

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Despite this, there is still some distrust towards China due to concerns about its
economic and military power. China has become the most strategically relevant partner
for ASEAN, surpassing the U.S., while Japan remains the most trusted major power
in the region.

However, many Southeast Asians fear unemployment and an economic recession, with
concerns heightened by geopolitical tensions and global macroeconomic uncertainty.
The survey also highlighted the hope for major powers to cooperate and engage more
closely with ASEAN. Additionally, recent diplomatic activities showed China’s efforts
to strengthen relations with countries in the region.