"How the Chinese Public Perceives South-East Asia" - by CWP Enze Han
Abstract This article explores how the Chinese public perceives South-East Asia. Using original survey data collected in China, it suggests three perceptual frames. The “affinity” frame, which is rooted in historical Chinese migration and diaspora ties, generates feelings of kinship and cultural connection. Conversely, the “annoyance” frame stems from contemporary geopolitical tensions, particularly South China Sea disputes, where several South-East Asian countries are viewed as provocateurs challenging China’s regional authority. The “apprehension” frame characterizes the region as exotic yet dangerous, a perception reinforced by recent cyber scams and criminal activities targeting Chinese citizens, creating stereotypes of South-East Asia as lawless and unsafe. The article analyses the survey data for the statistical distribution of these frames and discusses their political implications. By exploring how historical ties, geopolitical tensions and security concerns simultaneously shape Chinese public opinion, the article illuminates the complex perceptual landscape that may influence China’s diplomatic and economic relations with South-East Asia.
摘要 本文探讨中国民众如何看待东南亚。基于在中国收集的原创调查数据, 本文提出三种认知框架。 “亲近” 框架植根于历史上的华人移民和侨民纽带, 产生出亲缘感和文化联结感。相反, “厌烦” 框 架源于当代地缘政治紧张局势, 特别是南海争端, 一些东南亚国家被视为挑战中国地区权威的挑衅 者。 “恐惧” 框架将该地区描绘为充满异域风情但危险的地方, 近年来针对中国公民的网络诈骗和 犯罪活动强化了这一认知, 形成了东南亚无法无天、不安全的刻板印象。本文分析调查数据中这 些框架的统计分布, 并讨论其政治影响。通过探讨历史纽带、地缘政治紧张局势和安全关切如何 同时塑造中国公众舆论, 本文揭示了可能影响中国与东南亚外交和经济关系的复杂认知图景。
The China Quarterly (2026), 1–15 doi:10.1017/S0305741026102240
Professor Enze Han is Associate Professor at the Department of Politics and Public Administration. His research interests include international relations of East Asia, China’s relations with Southeast Asia, Southeast Asian politics, and ethnic politics in China. Professor Han received a Ph.D in Political Science from the George Washington University in the United States in 2010. Afterwards he was a postdoctoral research fellow in the China and the World Program at Princeton University. During 2015-2016, he was a Friends Founders’ Circle Member of the School of Social Science at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, USA. In 2017, he was a fellow at the East Asia Institute in Seoul, South Korea. During 2021-2022, he was Lee Kong Chian Fellow on Contemporary Southeast Asia at the National University of Singapore and Stanford University. His research has been supported by the Leverhulme Research Fellowship and British Council/Newton Fund. Prior to HKU, Professor Han was Senior Lecturer in the International Security of East Asia at SOAS, University of London, United Kingdom.
Photo Credit: By Keepscases - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8636461
