Asia, a vast and diverse continent, has a complex history and is home to many territorial disputes. These frictions have shaped public sentiment, leading to varied perceptions of different Asian countries. While alliances have shifted over time, certain patterns emerge.
Japan and China: Mixed Views
Japan is viewed favorably by a majority of people in seven out of ten Asian countries surveyed. China, on the other hand, evokes both favor and concern throughout the region due to its territorial ambitions. These perceptions differ significantly, with opinions about India being equally diverse.
Interestingly, China’s strongest supporters are Pakistanis and Bangladeshis, both fellow Muslim-majority countries. India receives favorable ratings from Bangladeshis and Vietnamese, while Japan garners high favorability among Thais and Filipinos.
Americans hold a positive view of Japan and India, but their opinions about China and Pakistan are less favorable.
Allies and Threats
When it comes to reliable allies, Asians overwhelmingly choose the United States. Countries like South Korea, Japan, and India consider the US their top international partner. However, Malaysians and Pakistanis see Beijing as their primary ally, and the Chinese view Russia as their most trusted partner.
As for threats, perceptions vary. Pakistanis, Chinese, Malaysians, and Indonesians consider the US the greatest danger to their nations, whereas Vietnamese, Japanese, and Filipinos view China as a threat. South Koreans express concern about North Korea, while Bangladeshis are wary of India. Indians, in turn, do not trust Pakistan.
Concerns about Territorial Disputes
China’s territorial disputes with its neighbors have raised concerns about potential military conflict. Publics in East, Southeast, and South Asia, including Americans, share these apprehensions.
Japan’s dispute with China over the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands, along with the Philippines’ standoff over Scarborough Shoal, and Vietnam’s dispute over the Paracel Islands, contribute to these regional tensions. Additionally, China claims the northeastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh.
In several Asian countries, the majority of the public worries about China’s territorial ambitions leading to military conflict. However, Indonesians and Thais, who do not share a border with China, express less concern. Pakistanis, with their strong ties to China, also show less worry.
Trusted Leadership
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is widely respected, not only by his own people but also by many other Asian countries. Nearly six-in-ten Japanese have confidence in his leadership. Vietnamese, Malaysians, Bangladeshis, Filipinos, and Thais also trust him in world affairs.
However, the Chinese and South Koreans hold a negative opinion of Abe due to perceived insufficient apologies for World War II and his visits to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine. Indians and Pakistanis, on the other hand, have mixed views or lack familiarity with Abe’s leadership.
Overall, these diverse perspectives offer valuable insights into how Asians view each other and the challenges they face in the region.
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