In a survey conducted in 10 Southeast Asian countries in 2025, the major view of respondents from several countries in ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) named China as the most influential political and strategic power in Southeast Asia. This answer was particularly prevalent in Thailand, as it was chosen by **** percent of the country's survey participants. Another common answer was the United States as an influential economic power in the region.
among respondents from ten ASEAN member states and Timor-Leste. Respondents are professionals from the following categories: academia, think-tankers, or researchers; private sector representatives; civil society, non-government organisations (NGOs) or media
representatives; government officials; and regional or international organisations personnel
Method of interview
CAPI interview, questionnaire
Supplementary notes
Original question: "In your view, which country/regional organization has the most political and strategic influence in Southeast Asia?"
ASEAN stands for Association of Southeast Asian Nations and is a political and economic union composed of the ten member states Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Results from respondents from Timor-Leste excluded in the aggregated averages as the country is not yet an ASEAN member state.
Respondent share by nationality:
Brunei: n = 7.4% Cambodia: n = 8.5% Indonesia: n = 12.5% Laos: n = 7.5% Malaysia: n = 11.9% Myanmar: n = 9.6% Philippines: n = 10.2% Singapore: n = 12% Thailand: n = 9.7% Vietnam: n = 7.7%
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ISEAS. (April 3, 2025). Most politically influential countries or regional organizations in Southeast Asia in 2025, by country [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved July 15, 2025, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1481787/asean-most-influential-political-powers-by-country/
ISEAS. "Most politically influential countries or regional organizations in Southeast Asia in 2025, by country." Chart. April 3, 2025. Statista. Accessed July 15, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1481787/asean-most-influential-political-powers-by-country/
ISEAS. (2025). Most politically influential countries or regional organizations in Southeast Asia in 2025, by country. Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: July 15, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1481787/asean-most-influential-political-powers-by-country/
ISEAS. "Most Politically Influential Countries or Regional Organizations in Southeast Asia in 2025, by Country." Statista, Statista Inc., 3 Apr 2025, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1481787/asean-most-influential-political-powers-by-country/
ISEAS, Most politically influential countries or regional organizations in Southeast Asia in 2025, by country Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1481787/asean-most-influential-political-powers-by-country/ (last visited July 15, 2025)
Most politically influential countries or regional organizations in Southeast Asia in 2025, by country [Graph], ISEAS, April 3, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1481787/asean-most-influential-political-powers-by-country/
