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https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/Majority-of-ASEAN-people-favor-China-over-U.S.-survey-finds>
'SINGAPORE — Over half of Southeast Asians would now prefer to align with
China over the U.S. if ASEAN were forced to choose between the rival
superpowers, a regional survey by a Singapore-based think tank showed Tuesday,
reflecting Beijing's growing influence in the region.
According to the State of Southeast Asia 2024 survey, compiled by the
ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, 50.5% of respondents opted for China and 49.5%
preferred the U.S. if ASEAN had to pick sides — the first time Beijing edged
past Washington since the annual survey started asking the question in 2020.
Last year's survey showed 38.9% preferred China and 61.1% chose the U.S.
The think tank's flagship survey polls people from the private and public
sectors, as well as academics and researchers in Southeast Asia. Hence, it
presents the prevailing attitudes among those in a position to inform or
influence policy on regional issues.
"It seems like this is the beginning of a trend as ... this is the first time
China has actually [edged past the U.S.]," Danny Quah, dean of the Lee Kuan Yew
School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore, said on
Tuesday during an online seminar on the latest annual report. "But if we look
at the underlying data, it is actually more like a seesaw pattern than a
trend."
Among the 10 countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the
possible alignment to China was most evident among respondents from Malaysia,
at 75.1%, followed by Indonesia and Laos at 73.2% and 70.6%. They all have
benefited significantly from China's Belt and Road infrastructure initiative
and robust trade relations.'
Via Wayne Radinsky.
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
