Tuesday, March 20, 2012

U.S. Ahead in Far East Competition With China

As the U.S. shifts alliance and defense attention from Europe to Asia, it begins with a considerable history and some reservoir of good will.  Our competitor for influence, China, has substantial and growing resources and proximity, but many neighboring people are not impressed or comfortable with China’s leadership.

A Gallup poll of late last year shows among members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) citizens, the U.S. has a 44 percent approval of its leadership whereas China has 30 percent.

When examining each nation, the U.S. is strongest in Cambodia (68% approval) and the Philippines (63%) and has the least approval by Indians (16%) and the Vietnamese (21%).

China only gets above 50 percent among Cambodians (55%).  Its second best approval is in Malaysia (42%).  Like the U.S., India (10%) and Vietnam (22%) provide the worst scores.


Obviously, there are a number of nations, especially India, that the U.S. needs to build alliances with citizens and national leaders.

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