Winning hearts in Southeast Asia? News sentiment on China amidst the US–PRC trade war.

This article examines how the trade rivalry between the United States and China influenced China's foreign public image in the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) press. Using sentiment analysis of 75,619 English-language news articles from all 10 Southeast Asian countries between 2016 and 2020, the study finds that the US–China trade war heightened negative sentiment toward China, especially in ASEAN states concerned about China's territorial assertiveness and economic influence. While official Chinese cultural diplomacy statements had little positive effect, high-level diplomatic visits to and from China were viewed favorably and helped improve China's image in the region. The findings highlight the complex interplay of economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and media portrayal in shaping Southeast Asian perceptions of China during this period.