CHINA EMERGES AS SOUTHEAST ASIA'S PREFERRED SUPERPOWER AMID US-CHINA RIVALRY

A major survey reveals that 52% of ASEAN opinion-makers now prefer alignment with China over the United States, marking a significant shift in regional geopolitical preferences. Concerns about Trump administration foreign policies have surpassed South China Sea aggression as ASEAN's biggest geopolitical fear. The shift reflects broader strategic hedging by Southeast Asian nations seeking to balance great power competition while protecting their economic and security interests. This realignment occurs as the US and China compete for control of critical maritime routes, energy resources, and strategic islands throughout the Asia-Pacific region.