Southeast Asians Now Prefer China Over US as Strategic Partner

A majority of respondents in Southeast Asia would choose China as a strategic partner over the United States if forced to align with one superpower, according to the eighth edition of the State of Southeast Asia survey released on April 7, 2026.

The survey, conducted by the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, found that 52 percent of respondents preferred Beijing, while 48 percent chose Washington. This marks a shift from the previous year, when 52.3 percent of respondents preferred the United States and 47.7 percent preferred China.

The ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute gathered responses from 2,008 opinion-makers and thought leaders across all 11 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The participants included policymakers, representatives from research institutions, and members of the private sector.

Regional Preferences and Concerns

Support for China as the preferred strategic partner was strongest in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Conversely, the United States remained the preferred choice for respondents in Vietnam, Myanmar, and the Philippines.

The survey identified U.S. Leadership under Donald Trump as the primary concern for respondents. Other significant worries cited included aggressive behavior in the South China Sea and the prevalence of global scam operations.

The data collection period for the survey ran from January 5 to February 20, 2026. This window began shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Washington would indefinitely control the sale of oil from Venezuela and authorized the capture of the nation’s former leader, Nicolas Maduro.

Analysis of Geopolitical Shifts

Analysts suggest the shift in sentiment is linked to recent trade and geopolitical uncertainties resulting from policies implemented by Washington. However, they caution against viewing these results as a zero-sum game between the two superpowers.

According to analysts, the findings reflect a desire within ASEAN to diversify partners within a multipolar global environment rather than a definitive abandonment of the United States.

The 2026 report also highlights broader regional anxieties. Beyond the superpower rivalry, climate risks were identified as one of the top concerns for nations across Southeast Asia.

Survey Methodology and Scope

The State of Southeast Asia survey is an annual perception study that monitors geopolitical developments and the role of major powers in the region. The 2026 edition is the eighth version of the study.

The report was officially launched on the morning of April 7, 2026, with welcome remarks provided by Ng Chee Khern, the Director and CEO of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute.

The findings have been widely cited across regional media, with reports indicating growing doubts regarding U.S. Security and trade policies and a slight lean toward China when forced to choose a side.