The South China Sea serves as a common home to over 2 billion people from China and Southeast Asian nations. It is not only a vital global maritime trade corridor but has also emerged as a focal point of international geopolitics. Through joint efforts on the part of China and ASEAN countries, the South China Sea has maintained peace and stability, remaining one of the safest and busiest maritime route for global navigation and aviation. However, in recent years, with the involvement and interference of external countries, the situation in the South China Sea has changed.

To further understand and present the overall perception and stance of Southeast Asian nations on the issue of the South China Sea, the China Media Group (CMG) Global Chinese Programming Center, in collaboration with the CMG Institute, has launched the research and published the report on the Southeast Asia Perceptions on the South China Sea. Through polling and public opinion analysis in six countries—Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand—the report aims to help the international community objectively view regional public sentiment and ​opinion on the South China Sea issue, dispel cognitive biases and confusion, and foster a positive international atmosphere to advance the steady resolution of the South China Sea issues.

The following is the full text of the report: