Overview

• The index gives China an overall score of 65, a one‑point lead over the United States, and identifies Beijing as the most influential partner in six of 11 countries: Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.
• China is the region’s leading export market and supplier, taking about 20% of Southeast Asian exports and providing roughly 26% of its imports.
• Chinese private investment has expanded, accounting for 21% of new project investment in 2015–2024, up from about 13% in the prior decade when Japan led.
• Southeast Asian governments are diversifying external ties to reduce risk, yet several economies remain highly exposed to China in trade, tourism and investment.
• Australia has risen to fourth overall with particular strength in defence networks and its outsized role in East Timor, while U.S. influence has slipped, with the report linking the decline to Trump administration tariffs, planned foreign aid cuts and tighter student visa policies.