A new research study has found surprising results – if the People's Republic of China is unable to persuade its Southeast Asian neighbors to allow it to lead the region, global dominance will be a much harder task for China to achieve.
Researchers Selina Ho and Terence Lee from the National University of Singapore, conducted a survey of elites spread throughout Southeast Asian nations who were "least likely to acquiesce" to a China-led regional order. The survey gauged how they perceive China, its influence, and whether or not it has the authority to govern.
Results indicated that while China is viewed as influential by elites in the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia, most felt China did not have the authority to preside over the region, with the difference in political values being one of the biggest points of contention.
