Fatigue is rewriting the US-China soft power contest, starting in Asean

South China Morning PostEN 2 min read 100% complete by Samer Elhajjar ,Niraj DawarMarch 4, 2026 at 09:30 AM

AI Summary

short article 2 min

A new dynamic is reshaping the US-China soft power competition, particularly in Southeast Asia. Overlapping global crises have created widespread fatigue, altering what nations value in international partnerships. Instead of admiration, countries now prioritize stability, predictability, and low-risk engagement. This shift is evident in ASEAN nations, where support for the US and China is nearly evenly split. The US, historically adept at providing tangible relief and consistent support, should leverage this advantage. The focus is now on being a reliable and practical partner, offering usable solutions in a world weary of constant disruption.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Kuala Lumpur 40% Berlin Airlift 40% Peace Corps 40% Huawei Technologies 50% Marshall Plan 50% ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute 60% Singapore 60% Southeast Asia 70% Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) ×280% United States ×390% China ×290%

Keywords

fatigue 100% soft power 100% us-china competition 90% asean 80% marshall plan 60% predictability 60% economic strain 50% supply chain fragility 50% political whiplash 50%