How Do Asian Countries View the United States?

According to Morning Consult's America Reputation Tracker, perceptions of the United States across Asia and parts of the Middle East remain diverse, reflecting differences in history, security relationships, economic ties, and public opinion. While some countries hold overwhelmingly favorable views of the U.S., others remain more skeptical.

Vietnam stands out as the most pro-American country in the survey, with 64% of respondents expressing a favorable opinion of the United States and only 20% holding an unfavorable view. This strong approval is notable given the two countries' difficult history, highlighting how economic cooperation and shared strategic interests have reshaped relations.

India follows closely, with 62% favorable and 28% unfavorable views. The growing partnership between the world's largest and oldest democracies, particularly in technology, defense, and trade, has contributed to positive perceptions. Pakistan also records a surprisingly favorable image of the U.S., with 61% favorable and 22% unfavorable ratings.

In Southeast Asia, the Philippines shows strong support for the United States, with 61% favorable and 25% unfavorable views. The long-standing alliance between the two nations and extensive people-to-people connections help explain this positive sentiment.

Indonesia, however, presents a more balanced picture, with 45% favorable and 39% unfavorable opinions. Malaysia is more skeptical, registering 38% favorable and 44% unfavorable views, while Thailand records 37% favorable and 32% unfavorable ratings.

Among Middle Eastern countries surveyed, the United Arab Emirates reports a favorable rating of 55% compared to 31% unfavorable. Saudi Arabia is more evenly divided, with 45% favorable and 35% unfavorable views. Turkey remains one of the most critical countries in the survey, with only 32% favorable opinions and 49% unfavorable.

In East Asia, public opinion is particularly varied. South Korea is nearly split, with 43% favorable and 46% unfavorable views despite the close security alliance between Seoul and Washington.

Japan also records more unfavorable than favorable opinions, at 41% versus 36%. Singapore stands out as one of the most skeptical countries surveyed, with 33% favorable and 55% unfavorable ratings.

China records the lowest favorable rating toward the United States, at 30%, while 37% view the country unfavorably. Given ongoing geopolitical competition and trade tensions between Washington and Beijing, these results are not unexpected.

Overall, the data reveal that attitudes toward the United States across Asia are far from uniform. While countries such as Vietnam, India, and the Philippines maintain strongly positive views, others remain divided or skeptical, illustrating the complexity of America's reputation throughout the region.