For the first time, more people in Southeast Asia prefer that their countries align with China over the U.S., according to findings of an influential new survey published by ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore.
China’s favorability rating in the region jumped more than 10 points to 50.5%, edging out the U.S. by one percent. Conversely, U.S. popularity plunged by an equal margin, dropping from more than 61% last year to below 50% in 2024.