Who Has the Most Economic Influence in Southeast Asia?

According to the 2024 survey by the ASEAN Studies Center at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, nearly 2,000 respondents from the 10 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) were asked to identify the country or region they believed to hold the most economic influence in Southeast Asia. The survey results highlight the significant economic impact of various global and regional powers on Southeast Asia's economic landscape.

Across all ASEAN countries, China emerged as the most influential economic power. Notably, 78% of respondents from Laos and 71% from Thailand identified China as the leading economic influence. This perception aligns with China's substantial investment in Laos and its role as the country's top export market.

Other ASEAN countries and the United States also scored high in terms of perceived economic influence. The Philippines presented a unique case where the influence of China (31%), the U.S. (28%), and ASEAN (26%) was viewed as relatively balanced. Additionally, Filipinos rated Japan's economic influence the highest among ASEAN countries, with 9% of respondents acknowledging Japan's impact.

The survey underscores China's dominant economic presence in the region, driven by extensive investment and trade relationships. At the same time, it highlights the multifaceted economic influences of the U.S., ASEAN, and Japan, reflecting the complex and interconnected economic dynamics within Southeast Asia. As these countries continue to develop and strengthen their economies, the influence of these global and regional powers is likely to evolve, shaping the future economic landscape of Southeast Asia.

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