A public opinion survey conducted by CGTN, a media outlet under China Media Group (CMG), has found broad support across Southeast Asia for resolving disputes in the South China Sea through peaceful dialogue, while expressing concern over the role of external powers in escalating regional tensions.
The survey, conducted during June and July, covered 2,664 respondents from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Singapore.
According to the findings, a majority of respondents view the involvement of external major powers as a key factor contributing to ongoing military and diplomatic tensions in the South China Sea. At the same time, the survey indicates strong consensus that disputes should be settled through peaceful and independent negotiations without outside interference.
The survey found that 84.6 percent of respondents believe the South China Sea issue should be resolved through peaceful dialogue and bilateral consultations, in accordance with international law and internationally recognized principles.
Meanwhile, 64.3 percent of respondents said excessive involvement by major external powers has encouraged some claimant countries to rely on outside actors rather than pursuing regional dialogue, thereby weakening the region’s capacity to independently manage and resolve disputes.
In addition, 74.4 percent of respondents expressed concern that continued intervention by external powers could heighten military tensions in the region, posing broader risks to global trade and energy security.
According to the survey, many respondents believe that history and practical experience demonstrate that when decisions on regional affairs become increasingly influenced by outside powers, local disputes tend to grow more complex and difficult to manage. Such dynamics, they argue, may enable external actors to advance their own strategic interests while leaving the countries and people of the region to bear the consequences.
Source: Shuyei, Touhid and Jinia, CGTN.