Southeast Asia views China as its most valuable economic partner, according to a recent survey conducted by Jakarta-based think tanks. China’s economic clout, notably through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), resonates strongly across the region.
The survey, conducted by the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI) and Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), polled 2,028 individuals from 11 Southeast Asian nations between August 19th and November 1st, 2024.
“Most respondents recognize China’s enduring presence. It’s a reality we can’t ignore,” stated Shofwan Albanna Choiruzzad, FPCI fellow and lead author of the survey, at a January 30th forum in Jakarta. “China will remain a significant force, growing in importance over time.”
The survey revealed that 78% of respondents were familiar wiht the BRI, surpassing recognition levels for initiatives like Japan’s Official Development Assistance (66%), the Regional Comprehensive Partnership (63%), and the US Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (53%).
Emilia Yustiningrum, head of the Research Center for Law at Indonesia’s National research and Innovation Agency, highlighted China’s prosperous cultivation of strong ties with Indonesia. She pointed to China’s engagement with Islamic universities in Indonesia, citing UIN Sunan Ampel Surabaya in East Java, which boasts a Chinese Corner and benefits from Chinese government-funded scholarships for its students.
China and the United States emerged as prominent figures in Southeast Asian perceptions. Respondents weighed in on various aspects of these partnerships, including trustworthiness, reliability, economic benefits, relevance to ASEAN’s future, potential for political interference, credibility for the Global South, and reliability in times of crisis.
Dino Patti Djalal,founder of FPCI and former Indonesian ambassador to the United States,emphasized the survey’s aim: “to capture the sentiments of ordinary people regarding issues frequently discussed in the news,and gauge whether those sentiments align with public opinion.”
The survey, initially focused on ASEAN-China relations in 2020, expanded its scope in 2023 to encompass four ASEAN Dialog Partners: China, India, Japan, and the United States. In 2024,the survey included five additional partners: Australia,the Republic of Korea,the European Union,Russia,and the United Kingdom.
Spica Alphanya tutuhatunewa, an Indonesian diplomat, stressed the importance of ASEAN’s dialogue partners in driving impactful development initiatives across Southeast Asia. she underscored the need for these initiatives to resonate deeply with communities beyond Jakarta, particularly in Indonesia’s diverse provinces.
Tutuhatunewa emphasized the importance of scholarships for Indonesia’s youth, stating, “Indonesia aims to cultivate an educated young generation. This represents the soft power we strive to project forward.”
Andrew Mantong, a researcher at Jakarta’s Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), noted that balancing economic and security concerns remains a central theme in ASEAN surveys, a trend observed even in CSIS-conducted research.
How do perceptions of China’s economic influence differ across various Southeast Asian nations, and what factors might contribute too these variations?
Exploring Southeast Asia’s Perceptions of China and it’s Partners
southeast Asia views China as its most valuable economic partner, a sentiment highlighted in a recent survey conducted by Jakarta-based think tanks. The Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI) and the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) polled 2,028 individuals from 11 Southeast Asian nations, revealing China’s notable economic influence across the region. We spoke with Emilia Yustiningrum, head of the Research Center for Law at Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency, to delve deeper into these findings.
Interview with Emilia Yustiningrum
archyde: Your research sheds light on China’s growing economic clout in Southeast Asia.What factors contribute to this perception?
Yustiningrum: China’s strong economic performance, coupled with initiatives like the belt and Road initiative (BRI), undoubtedly plays a major role. The BRI is seen as a tangible symbol of China’s commitment to the region’s growth.
Archyde: The survey highlighted the familiarity of the BRI amongst respondents, surpassing even initiatives championed by other key players. Why do you think this is the case?
Yustiningrum: The BRI’s scale and enterprising scope capture attention. It’s designed to connect continents and promote infrastructure development, which directly impacts people’s lives. However, China also works on a government-to-government level, building strong institutional ties that resonate across Southeast asia.
Archyde: What are some specific examples of China’s engagement that illustrate this impact?
Yustiningrum: Take Indonesia, for example. China actively engages with indonesian Islamic universities, such as UIN Sunan Ampel Surabaya. it even established a Chinese Corner there and offers scholarships for Indonesian students. This promotes cultural exchange and education, which have a long-term impact on building positive relations.
archyde: Balancing economic partnerships with concerns about security and potential political influence is a delicate act. How do you see Southeast Asian nations navigating this complexity?
Yustiningrum: Balancing these interests is indeed a critical challenge. You’ll see Southeast Asian nations pursuing a multi-pronged approach: deepening economic ties with China while concurrently diversifying their partnerships to ensure strategic autonomy. It’s about finding the right equilibrium to maximize benefits while mitigating potential risks.
Archyde: Looking ahead, what are your thoughts on the future of China’s engagement with Southeast Asia?
Yustiningrum: The future ties will undoubtedly involve both opportunities and challenges. But one thing is certain: China’s influence in Southeast Asia will continue to grow. the key will be for all parties involved to engage in open,transparent,and mutually beneficial cooperation to ensure a stable and prosperous future for the region.
This insightful conversation with Emilia Yustiningrum highlights the complexities and crucial need for careful consideration as southeast Asia navigates its evolving relationship with china. What are your thoughts on this intricate balance between economic opportunity and strategic security in the region? Share your perspective in the comments below.
