Southeast Asia supports multilateralism, wary of US or China leadership: survey

AI Summary

A survey reveals that Southeast Asia supports multilateralism and international cooperation but remains cautious regarding leadership from the United States or China. The region favors a balanced approach to global leadership, maintaining strategic flexibility.

Southeast Asia remains comparatively confident in international cooperation even as scepticism grows over whether the United States or China should take a leading global role, a new survey has found. Analysts said the findings reflected a long-standing regional preference for keeping strategic options open, particularly among smaller and middle powers wary of an international order dominated by either Washington or Beijing. “Seeking Security and Opportunity in a Stormy World”, released this...