ASEAN Survey Shows Mixed Views on China and U.S. Influence

A 2026 survey by the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute found that trust in China among ASEAN respondents reached 39.8 percent, exceeding distrust for the first time since the poll began. At the same time, 55.4 percent of respondents expressed concern about China's growing economic influence, and 66.1 percent voiced concern about its political and strategic reach.

The report noted that economic ties with China are difficult to reduce, yet wariness persists in security matters. Officials across the region continue to weigh these competing pressures as they seek to strengthen collective decision-making.

The survey indicated that ASEAN members are increasingly focused on building institutional resilience to limit dependence on either Beijing or Washington. Japan is described as having a potential role in supporting this autonomy through economic cooperation.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi met with Vietnamese President To Lam in Hanoi on May 2. The meeting took place against the backdrop of ongoing U.S.-China tensions and regional efforts to manage external influence. Respondents in the survey showed continued caution toward both major powers.

The data suggest that ASEAN citizens view China through a dual lens of economic necessity and political concern.