Japan is expected to remain 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 will need to be transparent about its motives and reassure others that its military-related actions 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 region’s most trusted power, with 65.6 per cent of Southeast Asian respondents expressing confidence in it, down slightly from 66.8 per cent the previous year.

Released on April 7, the survey drew 2,008 respondents from across Asean, including representatives from the private sector, research institutions and policymaking circles.

The EU and the US were trusted by 55.9 per cent and 44 per cent of respondents, respectively. China ranked fourth at 39.8 per cent, followed by India at 38.5 per cent.

Following a landslide election victory in February, Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party is pushing to amend the constitution, particularly Article 9, by formally recognising the Self-Defence Forces (SDF) and legally justifying an expansion of their scope.