China-US rivalry worries people in Singapore, South Korea, Philippines

Poll finds Singaporeans are less worried, with the greatest concerns in countries allied with Washington

The growing tensions between the powers are stoking regional fears of the effect on domestic politics and national security

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About half of survey respondents in Singapore, South Korea and the Philippines said tensions between Beijing and Washington are among the most “pressing challenges” facing their country. Photo: AP

Published: 12:01pm, 12 Jun 2023Updated: 3:32pm, 12 Jun 2023

The fierce stand-off between the US and China is a big concern in three Asian countries, with more than 90 per cent of respondents to a new survey expressing worries about a “new geopolitical confrontation” between Beijing and Washington.

When it comes to the consequences of rising tensions between the two powers, Singapore respondents to the survey were less worried about the potential jeopardy to their national security and domestic political issues, compared with their neighbours in South Korea and the Philippines.

“Most think the consequences of more intense US-China competition will be negative,” the Eurasia Group Foundation (EGF) said in a report released on Monday.

Of the 1,500 adults canvassed in the three countries, almost a quarter – 24.5 per cent – said they were “very worried”.

The poll – which asked detailed questions about views on the United States, China and the competition between the two – found 62 per cent of respondents believed their country’s “national security will be put at risk” if tensions increased.

A lower majority of 57 per cent expected their country’s “politics will intensify as political parties pick sides in the US-China rivalry”, according to the New York-based organisation’s findings.

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