China is Outpacing the U.S. in Southeast Asia

As competition between the United States and China intensifies, Southeast Asia has emerged as one of the world's most important geopolitical battlegrounds. But despite growing tensions in the South China Sea and mounting pressure from Washington and Beijing, public opinion across much of the region remains more favorable toward China than many policymakers assume. A new report from the Asia Society Policy Institute reveals how economic ties, consumer brands, and everyday interactions are reshaping perceptions of China in Southeast Asia. Kevin Zhongzhe Li, one of the report's lead authors, joins Eric from Jakarta to explain why this trend is particularly important in the region's "swing" states. 📌 Topics Covered in This Episode • Why China is gaining an edge over the U.S. in Southeast Asia • How public opinion toward China has shifted over the past two decades • The role of Chinese investment, EVs, and consumer brands in shaping perceptions • Why South China Sea disputes affect countries differently • The gap between elite and public views of China across the region • Common U.S. and Chinese misconceptions about Southeast Asia Show Notes: Asia Society Policy Institute • : Global Public Opinion on China: China's Standing in Southeast Asia's Swing States • by Kevin Zhongshe Li South China Morning Post: • ' Practical' young Africans leaning towards China over US and away from ideology • by Jevans Nyabiage Pew Research Center: • Views of China and Xi Are Improving Globally • by Laura Silver, Jonathan Schulman, Laura Clancy and William Miner Join the Discussion: X: @ChinaGSProject | @eric_olander Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChinaAfricaProject YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ChinaGlobalSouth Now on Bluesky! Follow CGSP at @chinagsproject.bsky.social Follow CGSP in French and Spanish: • French: www.projetafriquechine.com • | @AfrikChine • Spanish: www.chinalasamericas.com • | @ChinaAmericas