ASEAN Survey Shows China Preferred Over US in Region

It's just going to get worse, Been pushing that way for years. Trump is just putting it on speed dial.

3 minutes ago, Reddavy said:

No they just ruin the economy of countries with cheap imports till your own factories cannot compete. Then you become fully dependant on their imported rubbish.

Given half a chance they would be bombing Taiwan. Still don't understand why you would align with the country that has the worst human rights record on the planet. Yes so I understand why Myanmar is aligned to China. But the rest of SE Asia.?

7 hours ago, connda said:

Yep - Heck, I even prefer China over the US.

Really. At least in the US in few years you have to right to kick Trump out.

7 hours ago, connda said:

If you gave me the choice of living in the US or China today, if I had to choose: China, hands down.

I doubt that very much. No internet for a start. Well there is the Government approved one. Good luck that you don't get caught using a VPN.

The Chinese government is extremely friendly: Ask the Tibetans, the Uygur’s. They never threatened Taiwan, of any at the borders of the West Philippine /South Chinese sea, there is a 100% freedom of speech, organization, politics in the country. The overpopulation is brought back by the one-child policy, when necessary with forced abortion, ( and now: to expensive to let a child grow up).

Sorry, out of these two, I still prefer the USA, knowing that democracy still works there ( I hope, in November)

8 hours ago, Peterphuket said:

You cannot trust the communist regime, with their perpetual smirks on their faces.

Maybe they know something you don't? That can indeed be unnerving.

1 hour ago, Geoff914 said:

Really. At least in the US in few years you have to right to kick Trump out.

Trump is just a symptom, a distraction. You can't get rid of the poisonous ones behind him who are the ones who really count.

At least the Chinese aren't hypocrites.

1 hour ago, Harry Vibhavadi said:

The Chinese government is extremely friendly: Ask the Tibetans, the Uygur’s. They never threatened Taiwan, of any at the borders of the West Philippine /South Chinese sea, there is a 100% freedom of speech, organization, politics in the country. The overpopulation is brought back by the one-child policy, when necessary with forced abortion, ( and now: to expensive to let a child grow up).

Sorry, out of these two, I still prefer the USA, knowing that democracy still works there ( I hope, in November)

It's 'democracy' that gave you Trump because the country is deeply sick and apparently beyond recovery as we've just seen in Georgia. More on that in a moment. The US ain't a democracy and never has been.

The so-called opposition is paralyzed, the vaunted 'guardrails, checks and balances' all trashed and wrecked like the East Wing of the WH. All in collusion with a stacked ultra-anti-enlightenment, religio-fascistoid and pecuniarily corrupt Supreme Court.

Georgia. Oh yeah. Georgia which has just voted to replace MTG with an extreme right winger who was expressly supported by DJT. That despite yet another war that must have killed thousands and turned large parts of a sovereign country into rubble and is wrecking the global economy as it get back up to speed after Covid. There was a chance to say 'NO!' there. But it's really what the majority want isn't it? So they said 'Yes!' to Trump and his wars.

Maybe one day you Americans might get around to doing something nice to Iran. Try it. You might be pleasantly surprised but you're all too afraid for that. Sad, because you certainly haven't done a single nice thing to that country since 1953 when you deposed its democratically elected government to steal its oil, and imposed the murderer and torturer Rehza Pahlevi on his 'Peacock Throne'. Very democratic of you.

Half the US is neurotically and murderously mad and totally politically ignorant, the other half powerless and feeble.

Open season for Project 2025. Fronted by Vance. Installed by Palantir.

Demockery, not democracy my friends.

2 hours ago, Harry Vibhavadi said:

The Chinese government is extremely friendly: Ask the Tibetans, the Uygur’s. They never threatened Taiwan, of any at the borders of the West Philippine /South Chinese sea, there is a 100% freedom of speech, organization, politics in the country. The overpopulation is brought back by the one-child policy, when necessary with forced abortion, ( and now: to expensive to let a child grow up).

Sorry, out of these two, I still prefer the USA, knowing that democracy still works there ( I hope, in November)

"there is a 100% freedom of speech" You forgot to add only having a State controlled Internet.

5 hours ago, FlorC said:

Like asking what do you prefer : a cobra or a python.

China being the python.

Mmmhh, maybe. I can see the metaphor. But so far Beijing hasn't kidnapped Taiwan's president or blockaded and sanctioned it. I think the Chinese are pragmatic and they won't kill the golden goose in whatever shape it comes. And there is a lot to like about the Chinese approach regardless of the calumnies with Uighurs and Tibet.

The US however is a predator incapable of reining itself in and which it is hard to find anything to like about nowadays. It gobbles up anything and everything it can get its paws on, including the environment, till there's only desolation left. Drill baby drill all across Greenland. It's a crying shame for such a hi-tech country. But its national emotional intelligence is that of a badly brought up abuser brat. That is why it has elected Trump. He's symptomatic of the whole edifice.

I really like a comment I heard maybe 20 years ago or so ago which sent shivers up my spine back then because I knew it is true and what it means for us all. The comment was 'The US thinks it's playing chess. But China's playing Go.' Enter the python.

Big Don. How to attract enemies, diminish influence, ruin prestige, and alienate allies.

That should be the new Trump motto.

On a daily basis this man demonstrates additional levels of goonery, clown like behavior, and utter absurdness. What an incredibly sad and pathetic example of the human species he is.

Americans should be recoiling in horror at this demonstration of self aggrandizement, certainly the world is looking on with astonishment at the shame he is bringing upon a nation that used to be fairly great, but has descended into a land of chaos, mass murders, political division, shootings, criminality, homelessness, poverty, unemployment, silly levels of real inflation, and diminished influence.

Trump Didn’t Bring Jobs Back — He Drove Customers Away

Trump sold himself as the guy who would bring jobs back to America.

What he’s actually done is push entire markets to build alternatives.

Europe isn’t just cancelling subscriptions.

It’s funding competitors.

Domestic cloud platforms.

European communication tools.

Sovereign data infrastructure.

Trump didn’t weaken Microsoft and Google with regulation.

He did it with recklessness.

Through sheer incompetence, the goon has achieved what China and Russia have been trying to do for years: fracture American technological dominance. And the irony?

U.S. tech companies are now begging Europe to stay — quietly assuring governments that they’re “independent” from Washington.

That’s not strength.

That’s damage control.

Our adversaries are delighted,

While American companies scramble, China and Russia are watching this unfold like Christmas morning.

No cyberattack.

No sanctions.

No espionage.

Just the U.S. torching its own credibility.

When Europe builds its own digital ecosystem, American leverage shrinks — economically, politically, and strategically. Influence isn’t just aircraft carriers anymore. It’s standards, platforms, and trust.

Trump is dismantling all three.

The Part Americans Don’t Want to Hear?

Seventy-five million Americans looked at this man — the chaos, the threats, the ignorance — and voted for it. Twice.

Not by accident.

Not unknowingly.

You wanted to “own the libs.”

Instead, you owned American companies out of billions, handed markets to competitors, and convinced allies that dependence on the U.S. is dangerous.

You didn’t stick it to Europe.

Europe walked away.

This Is the Real Cost of Trumpism

Not just rhetoric.

Not just embarrassment.

Structural, long-term economic damage.

France isn’t flipping America off.

It’s doing something far colder and more rational:

Planning for a future without the US? Honestly? Trump didn’t deserve loyalty.

American tech didn’t deserve this.

But Europe’s response makes perfect sense.

When your ally starts acting like a liability, you stop depending on them.

And that’s exactly what’s happening.

Russia has much to gain from America's invasion of Iran, number one it legitimizes the war in Ukraine, number two it takes attention off the war in Ukraine, and number three it makes a case for strong arm, strong man tactics instead of diplomacy. In addition it gives them a chance to aid Iran, and make things difficult for America, and it has increased their revenue stream dramatically by driving up the price of oil.

China has everything to gain by Trump's War. He continues to push allies away from America and towards China, he continues to make China more influential, and for the first time in my lifetime he is actually making China a moral authority by default. On top of that his tariffs and trade wars have increased and strengthened China's hand around the world, and driven many more Nations into their fold.

The honor and the pride is completely gone, right out the window. Trump is trashing everything America used to stand for.

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20 hours ago, chilli42 said:

After the way the US has been treating their allies

Very much so. A case of 'do as I want you to' or face my wrath. Nato looking shaky and underlying global instability. Thank heavens for the 22nd!

10 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

Big Don. How to attract enemies, diminish influence, ruin prestige, and alienate allies.

That should be the new Trump motto.

On a daily basis this man demonstrates additional levels of goonery, clown like behavior, and utter absurdness. What an incredibly sad and pathetic example of the human species he is.

Americans should be recoiling in horror at this demonstration of self aggrandizement, certainly the world is looking on with astonishment at the shame he is bringing upon a nation that used to be fairly great, but has descended into a land of chaos, mass murders, political division, shootings, criminality, homelessness, poverty, unemployment, silly levels of real inflation, and diminished influence.

Trump Didn’t Bring Jobs Back — He Drove Customers Away

Trump sold himself as the guy who would bring jobs back to America.

What he’s actually done is push entire markets to build alternatives.

Europe isn’t just cancelling subscriptions.

It’s funding competitors.

Domestic cloud platforms.

European communication tools.

Sovereign data infrastructure.

Trump didn’t weaken Microsoft and Google with regulation.

He did it with recklessness.

Through sheer incompetence, the goon has achieved what China and Russia have been trying to do for years: fracture American technological dominance. And the irony?

U.S. tech companies are now begging Europe to stay — quietly assuring governments that they’re “independent” from Washington.

That’s not strength.

That’s damage control.

Our adversaries are delighted,

While American companies scramble, China and Russia are watching this unfold like Christmas morning.

No cyberattack.

No sanctions.

No espionage.

Just the U.S. torching its own credibility.

When Europe builds its own digital ecosystem, American leverage shrinks — economically, politically, and strategically. Influence isn’t just aircraft carriers anymore. It’s standards, platforms, and trust.

Trump is dismantling all three.

The Part Americans Don’t Want to Hear?

Seventy-five million Americans looked at this man — the chaos, the threats, the ignorance — and voted for it. Twice.

Not by accident.

Not unknowingly.

You wanted to “own the libs.”

Instead, you owned American companies out of billions, handed markets to competitors, and convinced allies that dependence on the U.S. is dangerous.

You didn’t stick it to Europe.

Europe walked away.

This Is the Real Cost of Trumpism

Not just rhetoric.

Not just embarrassment.

Structural, long-term economic damage.

France isn’t flipping America off.

It’s doing something far colder and more rational:

Planning for a future without the US? Honestly? Trump didn’t deserve loyalty.

American tech didn’t deserve this.

But Europe’s response makes perfect sense.

When your ally starts acting like a liability, you stop depending on them.

And that’s exactly what’s happening.

Russia has much to gain from America's invasion of Iran, number one it legitimizes the war in Ukraine, number two it takes attention off the war in Ukraine, and number three it makes a case for strong arm, strong man tactics instead of diplomacy. In addition it gives them a chance to aid Iran, and make things difficult for America, and it has increased their revenue stream dramatically by driving up the price of oil.

China has everything to gain by Trump's War. He continues to push allies away from America and towards China, he continues to make China more influential, and for the first time in my lifetime he is actually making China a moral authority by default. On top of that his tariffs and trade wars have increased and strengthened China's hand around the world, and driven many more Nations into their fold.

The honor and the pride is completely gone, right out the window. Trump is trashing everything America used to stand for.

You are absolutely correct. There is plenty wrong with China as many posters have pointed out- lack of free speach, human rights violations, empire building and taking or trying to take over other nations. However, at the moment, the same can be said about the US.

China has actually been more far more intelligent (and yes conniving) about thier influence. While the US builds military bases around the world and manufactures and sells weapons, China has funded roads and infrastructure projects that actually help people. China is not doing this out of charity, there is a plan of influence and power. Meanwhile, the US uses the threat of military action. At the same time that the US is pulling out of the World health organization and over 66 international organizations and UN entities, China has increased international funding and aid. As the US moves away from renewables and ignores climate change, China is building the world's largest renewable energy sources, funding research into battery technology and building amazing electric vehicles. While American leadership (Trump and others) see and speak in personal terms and seem concerned about personal legacy, the Chinese government primarily acts as a cohesive unit and looks at things long term. Trump's leadership and in particular the current war with Iran (as well as threats to Cuba and Greenland) have all been a win for China long term.

American and many Americans have believed the lie of American exceptualizm for far too long. Ask most Americans who have never left the US and they will tell you that we (yes I am an American) are the greatest country in the world. They seem to believe that we are the only true democracy, yet can't tell you much about other nations or their government. They think that our 250 years history and military might make us invincible.

As spidermike007 points out, Trump has pushed the world towards China and Russia. Hopefully, other nations, like Europe, will move towards self sufficiency and find other allies. As spidermike007 says, "When your ally starts acting like a liability, you stop depending on them."

19 hours ago, Reddavy said:

No they just ruin the economy of countries with cheap imports till your own factories cannot compete. Then you become fully dependant on their imported rubbish.

You seem to have absolutely no clue how the Chinese economy is being run or how it has transformed quietly over the last 20 years. Be grateful Mao didn't wise up to the country's potential when he was around or there'd have been no ping-pong.

The American century is now well and truly over and you've destroyed it yourselves. You were once in pole position for another century.

19 hours ago, Geoff914 said:

Given half a chance they would be bombing Taiwan. Still don't understand why you would align with the country that has the worst human rights record on the planet. Yes so I understand why Myanmar is aligned to China. But the rest of SE Asia.?

Are you blind or of low mentality? I was complaining about the chinese and their cheap production. 🙈

2 minutes ago, BusyB said:

You seem to have absolutely no clue how the Chinese economy is being run or how it has transformed quietly over the last 20 years. Be grateful Mao didn't wise up to the country's potential when he was around or there'd have been no ping-pong.

The American century is now well and truly over and you've destroyed it yourselves. You were once in pole position for another century.

I seem to have more idea than you. The rest of the world is wising up to them now but to late their cheap imported slave labour produce has ruined thousands of businesses in country’s all over the world. 🤷🏼 As for the Yanks least said the better.

3 minutes ago, Reddavy said:

Are you blind or of low mentality? I was complaining about the chinese and their cheap production. 🙈

I seem to have more idea than you. The rest of the world is wising up to them now but to late their cheap imported slave labour produce has ruined thousands of businesses in country’s all over the world. 🤷🏼 As for the Yanks least said the better.

Sorry but your ideas are years out of date.

China is now a direct head to head rival with the EU and the US at all levels, buying up all kinds of companies in the west. It has successfully transitioned from being a cheap work bench to a leader of all tech and high tech up to AI. It did so intentionally with long term planning and follow through by centralized government power. Just read about the 'lobsters'.

Countries like Germany have had to restrict China's buying sprees in some sensitive sectors. But have also welcomed the well placed and culturally and financially beneficial investments in others.

By the way, the 'slave laborers' you quote were working largely for western companies who foolishly sacked their own staff and gutted their own domestic industries and supply chains to get their tat cheaper. That has come home to bite them and the situation is now intractable, regardless of what the financial oaf Trump says (which sadly an ignorant population believes).

Believe me, China has gone way way beyond that now, and organises and runs its economy very differently but at least as successfully as the capitalist countries, especially the US.

It also has far more friends than the US now.

On 4/9/2026 at 10:56 AM, FlorC said:

Like asking what do you prefer : a cobra or a python.

China being the python.

If I was within 15 minutes of a clinic with the anti venom and somebody to drive me there I would go with the cobra. How big is the python?

On 4/9/2026 at 4:19 AM, Georgealbert said:

A new survey by the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute has found that a majority of Southeast Asian respondents would choose China over the United States as a strategic partner, signalling a shift in regional sentiment. The poll showed 52% favouring China compared with 48% for the US, reversing last year’s results when Washington held a narrow lead. The findings highlight changing perceptions amid evolving geopolitical and economic conditions.

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The survey, conducted between January 5 and February 20, gathered responses from 2,008 participants across 11 Southeast Asian countries, including individuals from the private sector, research institutions and policymaking circles. Support for China was strongest in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore, while the US remained the preferred partner in the Philippines, Myanmar and Vietnam. The polling period began shortly after US President Donald Trump authorised the capture of Venezuela’s former leader, Nicolas Maduro and announced that Washington would indefinitely control the sale of the country’s oil.

Analysts said the shift reflects China’s growing economic influence in the region and declining confidence in US leadership. They cited geopolitical uncertainty and trade tensions under the Trump administration, including the introduction of tariffs, as key factors influencing sentiment. Respondents also identified US leadership as their top concern, followed by global scam operations and aggressive behaviour in the South China Sea.

Despite the reversal, experts cautioned against interpreting the results as a decisive strategic shift towards Beijing. Ng Chee Khern, director of the institute, said the narrow margin should not be seen as a “wholesale strategic pivot”. Scot Marciel, a former US diplomat and senior adviser at BowerGroupAsia, noted that while US policies may discourage cooperation, this does not automatically translate into greater alignment with China.

Wang Zichen, deputy secretary general of the Centre for China and Globalisation, said the findings suggest Southeast Asia is increasingly aware of its economic interdependence with China. He added that the results indicate China is no longer at a disadvantage when the region is forced into a binary choice. Analysts also pointed out that countries may diversify partnerships, strengthening ties with Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and Europe rather than choosing a single superpower.

The Nation reported that observers expect Southeast Asian nations to continue balancing relationships between major powers while responding to shifting economic and geopolitical dynamics. Ongoing trade negotiations with the US and deepening economic links with China are likely to shape future regional alignments. The survey, now in its eighth edition, underscores the complexity of ASEAN’s strategic positioning in an increasingly uncertain global environment.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 9 Apr 2026

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"To be an enemy of the U.S. is dangerous, but to be a friend is fatal."

Henry Kissinger

4 hours ago, Geoff914 said:

If I was within 15 minutes of a clinic with the anti venom and somebody to drive me there I would go with the cobra. How big is the python?

About 1,4 billion people big.

On 4/9/2026 at 7:17 AM, Peterphuket said:

You cannot trust the communist regime, with their perpetual smirks on their faces.

Let us be honest here, it is not only Asian countries that are leaning toward China, or at least keeping China close. Europe does it too, and so do major countries outside Europe. Not because they trust Beijing, not because they admire communism, but because money, trade, industry, supply chains, and future leverage still matter more than tough slogans on a forum.

That is the part many people leave out. Countries can talk hard about China all day long, but then they still have to walk their own economies through the real world. And in the real world, many of them are already deeply tied to China whether they like it or not.

In Europe, Germany is still heavily tied through trade and industry. China again became Germany’s top trading partner in 2025. The Netherlands is one of the most exposed relative to its size, including major investment ties. Sweden is still strongly tied through business, manufacturing, and market exposure even if Stockholm is politically more cautious. Italy and Spain are also more pragmatic commercially than their tougher rhetoric sometimes suggests.

And if we talk about Chinese money flowing into Europe, Hungary is the clearest case politically and economically. It has been by far the most open EU country toward deeper Chinese investment and cooperation, especially around EVs and batteries.

The same pattern exists outside Europe too. Countries hedge. They balance. They keep options open. They may not trust China, but they also do not fully trust the US anymore either, especially with Trump making Washington look less predictable on trade, alliances, and long-term commitments. That uncertainty pushes more countries to keep China in play, even while publicly sounding tougher.

So no, this is not some simple story where only Asian countries favor China. Plenty of European and other major countries are still economically tied to China, still open to dealing with China, and still unwilling to cut themselves off when real money is on the table.

That is why the tough talk only goes so far. In the end, they can posture politically, but economies still run on trade, capital, supply chains, and self-interest.

And as always, money talks.