Many Southeast Asian Policy Leaders Think ASEAN Should Align With China

Share of responses from people in a position to inform or influence policy from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries in a survey conducted from January to February 2026

“If ASEAN were forced to align itself with one of the strategic rivals, which should it choose?”

Bar chart of the share of responses from people in a position to inform or influence policy from ASEAN countries where many think ASEAN should align with China.

(Please use a modern browser to see the interactive version of this visualization)

Note: This survey was conducted prior to the United States and Israel’s joint attack on Iran on February 28, 2026. Respondents include people in academia, think-tankers, or researchers, private sector representatives, civil society, NGO, or media representatives, government officials, and regional or international organizations personnel.

Source: ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute