Key Takeaways from Our Monthly Dialogue on China's Public Opinion
- Foreign Policy Talks
- 6 hours ago
- 3 min read
On 15 August 2026, Foreign Policy Talks successfully convened its Monthly Discussion, Global Public Opinion on China: China's Standing in Southeast Asia's Swing States, featuring Kevin Zongzhe Li, Fellow at the Asia Society Policy Institute's Center for China Analysis.
Moderated by Genevieve Donnellon-May, the discussion explored how public perceptions of China have evolved across Southeast Asia and what these trends reveal about the region's changing geopolitical landscape.
Drawing on his recent research, Kevin examined more than two decades of public opinion data to assess how citizens across Southeast Asia perceive China. He argued that while attitudes towards China remain broadly positive across the region, they have gradually become more cautious over time. Rather than following a single regional pattern, public opinion reflects each country's unique combination of economic ties, security concerns, and historical experiences.
Kevin identified three broad trends across Southeast Asia. Vietnam and the Philippines have experienced sharper declines in public favourability following maritime disputes with China, while Singapore and Thailand have maintained relatively stable and positive attitudes driven largely by economic and social engagement. Indonesia and Malaysia, meanwhile, occupy a middle ground, where sovereignty concerns coexist with deepening economic cooperation, producing more moderate shifts in public opinion.
The discussion also explored how China's domestic economic transformation increasingly shapes regional perceptions. Kevin argued that China's industrial policies and expanding manufacturing capabilities have created both opportunities and challenges for Southeast Asian economies. While Chinese investment has supported industrial development in several countries, it has also raised questions surrounding competitiveness, local industries, environmental governance, and the equitable distribution of economic benefits.
A recurring theme throughout the discussion was the gap between elite and public perceptions of China. Kevin observed that policymakers and business leaders often approach China through strategic and economic considerations, whereas public opinion is shaped more directly by everyday economic experiences. He suggested that strengthening transparency, governance, and community engagement would help ensure that the benefits of investment are more broadly shared, contributing to more sustainable public support.
The conversation also examined Southeast Asia's strategic position amid intensifying United States and China competition. Kevin argued that ASEAN continues to pursue strategic autonomy by maintaining productive relationships with both major powers rather than choosing between them. While acknowledging growing pressures arising from technological competition and regional security challenges, he noted that ASEAN's preference for flexibility remains central to its regional approach.
The South China Sea featured prominently during both the discussion and audience question and answer session. Kevin highlighted that China has adopted different approaches towards individual claimant states, reflecting the unique political and security relationships it maintains with each country. Participants also explored economic nationalism, technological competition, public perceptions of Chinese investment, and ASEAN's role in balancing economic cooperation with strategic independence.
Looking ahead, Kevin emphasised that stronger mutual understanding will become increasingly important as China and Southeast Asia deepen their engagement. He highlighted the value of cultural literacy, language learning, academic exchanges, and people to people connections in reducing misconceptions and strengthening long term regional relationships.
Foreign Policy Talks extends its sincere appreciation to Kevin Zongzhe Li, Genevieve Donnellon-May, and all participants for contributing to an insightful discussion. As Southeast Asia continues to navigate an increasingly complex strategic environment, the dialogue offered valuable perspectives on how public opinion is shaping China's evolving relationship with the region.
For those interested in exploring the findings in greater depth, we encourage readers to read Kevin Zongzhe Li's latest research, Global Public Opinion on China: China's Standing in Southeast Asia's Swing States, published by the Asia Society Policy Institute. The report offers a comprehensive analysis of more than two decades of public opinion trends across Southeast Asia and provides valuable insights into how citizens across the region perceive China's evolving role. Available here:
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