Australian think tank report identifies China as top partner to Southeast Asian nations

SYDNEY, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- China leads the others as the most influential partner to Southeast Asian countries, according to a new data project report published on Thursday by an Australian think tank.

The Southeast Asia Influence Index, which was published by Sydney-based independent think tank the Lowy Institute, measured the relative importance of 10 external partners to 11 countries in Southeast Asia.

China was ranked as the most influential partner to the region overall followed by the United States, Japan and Australia.

It concluded that China is the leading partner for six out of the eleven individual countries -- Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The United States was identified as the leading partner for the Philippines and Singapore, but the authors said its influence in the region is likely to erode as a result of the Donald Trump administration's global policies, including tariffs, foreign aid cuts and international student visa restrictions.

The importance of the relationship between the external partners and Southeast Asian nations was measured based on economic ties, defense networks, cultural influence, diplomatic relationships and regional engagement.

The report found that China has the deepest economic relationships, the most diplomatic influence and the greatest regional engagement in Southeast Asia as well as the second-most cultural influence.

"Its primary strength lies in economic relationships, supported by consistent diplomacy across Southeast Asia: China is the top international destination for Southeast Asian leaders and foreign ministers," the report said.

Malaysia was ranked as the most influential country among Southeast Asian nations, followed by Singapore and Indonesia.