Southeast Asians are warming to the Quad – but they need to see more tangible benefits

According to a new survey released this week by the Singapore-based ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, an overwhelming number of Southeast Asians expressed confidence in the Quad, which was established decades ago but revived in recent years as a counter to Chinese influence.

Of the close to 2,000 Southeast Asians surveyed for the sixth “State of Southeast Asia” study, 73.1 per cent agreed that cooperation between Asean and the Quad would either “be beneficial to the region” or “complementary to Asean efforts”.

This stood in stark contrast to the 2020 survey, which found that 54.2 per cent thought the Quad had a “very negative” or “negative” effect on Southeast Asian security, or had “no impact”.

It also marked an increase compared to 2022, when 58.5 per cent of respondents said they either “agreed” or “strongly agreed” that strengthening the Quad would be constructive for the region.

It also found that perceptions of China as the most influential economic power in Southeast Asia remain high, at 59.5 per cent, while 41 per cent expressed concern about Beijing’s growing regional economic influence.

When asked what Asean’s response should be if it is caught in the crossfire as Beijing and Washington compete for influence and leadership in Southeast Asia, 46.8 per cent said Asean should enhance its resilience and unity to fend off pressure from the two major powers.

Apart from launching a vaccine partnership and promising to deliver 1 billion vaccines to the Indo-Pacific region, the summit also discussed climate change, critical technologies, counterterrorism, maritime security and humanitarian assistance.

One of the Quad’s main aims – announced at the leaders’ summit in 2022 – has been the introduction of an Indo-Pacific Partnership