A survey by ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute shows respondents trusted Japan more as a power than the EU, the US, China and India
4-MIN READ4-MIN ListenMaria SiowPublished: 3:08pm, 16 Apr 2026Updated: 3:09pm, 16 Apr 2026Japan remains the most trusted power among Southeast Asian countries, even as it seeks to amend its pacifist constitution and continues its military build-up.However, Tokyo would need to be transparent on its motives and assure others that its military-related actions would contribute to regional security, according to analysts.
In the latest annual survey conducted by the Singapore-based ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, Japan retained its ranking as the most trusted power in the region, with 65.6 per cent of Southeast Asian respondents expressing confidence in it, down from 66.8 per cent last year.
The EU and the US were trusted by 55.9 and 44 per cent, respectively, of survey respondents. China came in fourth at 39.8 per cent, followed by India at 38.5 per cent.
