The year 2023 witnessed a fascinating shift in public opinion across Southeast Asia regarding the two major global players: the United States and China. Fresh data released by the ASEAN Studies Center paints a vivid picture of these evolving popularity trends.
The Rise of American Favourability
The United States enjoyed a significant surge in popularity among Southeast Asian respondents in 2023. Overall positive sentiment towards the US jumped to 61.1%, a marked increase from 57.0% recorded the previous year. This stands in stark contrast to China’s favourability rating, which remained at a considerably lower 38.9%. This substantial disparity highlights a clear preference for the US within the region, according to public perception.
Country-by-Country Breakdown Reveals Nuances
A closer look at individual ASEAN nations reveals even more intricate dynamics. Cambodia and Laos stand out with particularly dramatic swings in public opinion towards the US. Cambodia saw a surge from a mere 18.5% positive rating in 2022 to a remarkable 73.1% in 2023. Similarly, Laos experienced a jump from 18.2% to 58.9%.
However, the data also suggests a more nuanced picture. While the US gained ground overall, there was a noticeable decline in support for the US among respondents in six ASEAN countries. This includes Burma (down from 92% to 67.8%) and Singapore (down from 77.9% to 61.1%). This highlights that the US image isn’t universally positive across the region.
China Maintains Foothold, But Sees Shifts
China, on the other hand, continues to hold sway in certain Southeast Asian nations. Support for China increased in Malaysia (from 43% to 54.8%) and Indonesia (from 44.3% to 53.7%). Despite a decline in Brunei (from 64.2% to 55%), China remains the preferred choice there.
An intriguing development occurred in Myanmar, where a majority still favors the US. However, there was a significant increase in support for China, with positive ratings nearly quadrupling from 8.0% in 2022 to 32.2% in 2023. This highlights a more complex picture of China’s influence in the region.
A Complex Landscape of Geopolitics and Public Perception
The evolving popularity of the US and China among Southeast Asians underscores the intricate interplay between geopolitics and public opinion. The surge in US favourability, particularly in Cambodia and Laos, suggests broader factors influencing regional perceptions. On the other hand, continued strong support for China in some countries demonstrates its enduring strategic influence.
The divergent views on these two major powers within ASEAN highlight the challenge of understanding the forces that shape a nation’s international image. Looking ahead, it will be fascinating to see how these developments influence regional dynamics and how ASEAN countries navigate their relationships with both the US and China.
