China Emerges as ASEAN’s Most Beneficial Economic Partner, Survey Reveals
China continues too solidify its position as teh most beneficial economic partner to the member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), according to the latest findings from the ASEAN People’s Perceptions Survey 2024. Conducted by the Foreign Policy community of Indonesia (FPCI) and the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA),the survey highlights China’s growing influence in the region,driven largely by its Belt and Road initiative (BRI).
The survey, which gathered responses from 2,028 participants across 11 Southeast Asian countries between August 19 and November 1, underscores China’s dominance in regional economic and development initiatives. “Most of the respondents realize that China is going to be here. It is a reality that cannot be denied,” said Shofwan Albanna Choiruzzad, FPCI fellow and lead author of the survey, during a forum in Jakarta on January 30. “And it (China) will be here for a long time and become more and more vital in the future.”
China’s Belt and road Initiative Takes Centre Stage
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The Belt and Road Initiative emerged as the most recognized development program in the region,with 78% of respondents acknowledging its impact. this figure surpasses Japan’s Official Development Assistance (66%), the Regional Thorough Partnership (63%), and the US Indo-pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (53%).
China’s efforts to foster strong bilateral relationships were also highlighted. Emilia Yustiningrum,head of the Research center for Law at Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency,pointed to China’s engagement with Islamic universities in Indonesia,such as UIN Sunan Ampel Surabaya in East Java. The university’s Chinese Corner and scholarships funded by the Chinese government have enabled students to study in China, further strengthening ties.
ASEAN’s Perception of Global Partners
The survey also explored ASEAN’s perceptions of its global partners, focusing on trustworthiness, reliability, and economic benefits. China and the United States were both highly visible in the region, with respondents evaluating thier roles in economic growth, political interference, and crisis management.
Dino Patti Djalal, FPCI’s founder and former Indonesian ambassador to the United States, emphasized the importance of understanding public sentiment. “The survey was conducted to get a flavor of what people on the ground think about issues that we read about and we hear about in the news, and test those issues whether or not the population feels a certain way,” he said.
Expanding the Scope: New Dialog Partners
The 2024 edition of the survey expanded its focus to include five additional dialog partners: Australia, the Republic of Korea, the European union, Russia, and the United Kingdom. this broader scope reflects ASEAN’s evolving relationships with global powers.
Spica Alphanya Tutuhatunewa, an Indonesian diplomat, stressed the need for development initiatives to resonate beyond capital cities. “In the Indonesian case, initiatives of dialogue partners need to strongly resonate with people in the provinces across the archipelago, and not only in Jakarta,” she said. she also highlighted the importance of scholarships for Indonesian youth, calling for an “educated young generation” as a form of soft power.
Balancing Economic and Security concerns
Andrew Mantong, a researcher at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Jakarta, noted that balancing economic and security issues remains a key focus in ASEAN surveys. This dual emphasis underscores the region’s complex geopolitical landscape.
Key Findings at a Glance
| Category | China | Japan | US |
|———————————–|———–|———–|——–|
| Recognition of Development Programs | 78% (BRI) | 66% (ODA) | 53% (IPEF) |
| Most Beneficial Economic Partner | Highest | Moderate | High |
| Trustworthiness | High | High | moderate |
China’s growing influence in Southeast Asia is undeniable. As the region continues to navigate its relationships with global powers, the ASEAN People’s perceptions Survey 2024 provides valuable insights into the priorities and perspectives of its people.
For more details on the survey, visit the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI).
China Emerges as ASEAN’s Most Beneficial Economic Partner, Survey Reveals: Insights from the ASEAN People’s Perceptions Survey 2024
China’s growing influence in Southeast Asia continues to solidify, as highlighted by the ASEAN People’s Perceptions Survey 2024. Conducted by the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI) adn the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East asia (ERIA), the survey underscores China’s dominance in regional economic and development initiatives, notably through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). To delve deeper into these findings, Senior Editor of world-today-news.com, Mark Thompson, sat down with Dr. emilia Yustiningrum, an expert on Southeast Asian geopolitics and Head of the Research Center for Law at indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency.
China’s Belt and road initiative: A Game-Changer for ASEAN
Mark Thompson: Dr. Yustiningrum, the survey reveals that 78% of respondents recognize China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as the most impactful development program in the region.Why do you think the BRI resonates so strongly with ASEAN nations?
Dr. Emilia Yustiningrum: The BRI’s success lies in its comprehensive approach to infrastructure and economic development. Unlike other initiatives, it doesn’t just focus on capital cities or large commercial hubs. instead, it reaches out to remote and underdeveloped areas, which is crucial for a region as diverse as ASEAN. For example, in Indonesia, China has funded scholarships for students from provinces outside Java, enabling them to study in China. This creates a tangible,long-term impact that people can see and feel in their daily lives.
Mark thompson: How does this compare to Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA), which is recognized by 66% of respondents?
Dr.Emilia Yustiningrum: japan’s ODA has been a reliable partner for ASEAN for decades, focusing heavily on technical expertise and sustainability. While it’s highly respected, its reach is often more traditional and less visible on the ground compared to the BRI. China’s initiatives, on the other hand, are more enterprising and widespread, which explains the higher recognition rate.
Trustworthiness and Economic Benefits: How ASEAN Views Global Partners
Mark Thompson: The survey also explores ASEAN’s perceptions of trustworthiness and economic benefits.China ranks highest as the most beneficial economic partner, but its trustworthiness is rated as “High,” the same as japan. The U.S., however, is seen as “Moderate” in trustworthiness. What drives these perceptions?
Dr. Emilia Yustiningrum: Trust is built over time through consistent engagement and tangible outcomes. Japan has a long history of positive engagement in the region, which explains its high trustworthiness. China, despite being a relatively newer player, has made significant inroads through initiatives like the BRI and cultural exchanges. The U.S., while still a major partner, is sometimes seen as less consistent in its commitment to the region, especially in terms of economic investment and crisis management.
Expanding the Scope: ASEAN’s evolving Relationships with Global Powers
Mark thompson: This year’s survey expanded to include additional dialogue partners like Australia, the Republic of Korea, and the European Union. How does this broader scope reflect ASEAN’s evolving geopolitical landscape?
Dr. Emilia Yustiningrum: ASEAN is no longer just a stage for U.S.-China competition.The inclusion of these partners shows that the region is actively diversifying its relationships to ensure balanced growth and security. As a notable example, Australia’s focus on education and climate change resonates well with Southeast Asian nations, while the EU’s emphasis on trade and sustainability offers complementary benefits.
Balancing Economic Growth and Security Concerns
Mark Thompson: The survey highlights the dual focus on economic growth and security concerns. How do ASEAN nations navigate this complex balance?
dr. Emilia Yustiningrum: It’s a delicate balancing act. Economic growth is essential for development, but security concerns, particularly in the South China Sea, cannot be ignored. ASEAN nations are increasingly adopting a “hedging” strategy—engaging economically with China while maintaining security collaborations with the U.S. and other partners. This approach allows them to maximize benefits while minimizing risks.
Key Takeaways from the Survey
- China’s Belt and Road Initiative is the most recognized development program in ASEAN, with 78% acknowledgment.
- China is viewed as the most beneficial economic partner, while Japan and the U.S. also hold significant influence.
- Trustworthiness remains high for both China and Japan, while the U.S. is seen as moderate in this regard.
Mark Thompson: Thank you, Dr. Yustiningrum, for your insights. It’s clear that china’s growing influence in ASEAN is reshaping the region’s geopolitical and economic landscape, and the survey provides valuable perspectives on how these changes are perceived at the grassroots level.
Dr. Emilia Yustiningrum: Thank you, Mark. the key takeaway is that ASEAN nations are strategically engaging with multiple global partners to ensure sustainable growth and security.China’s role is undeniably significant, but the region’s future will be shaped by its ability to balance these relationships effectively.
