This is a preliminary research to explore the perceptions of the ASEAN community towards China as a country that is undeniably an economic Goliath that drives their countrys economic growth, as well as the perception of the ASEAN community towards ethnic Chinese descent who are suspected of having awaken and become a potential economic threat for local economy. Therefore, this study aims to understand the perceptions of the ASEAN community towards China as a country and people of Chinese descent that are considered potential threats to the local economy, especially in the context of the swift flow of trade and investment (OFDI) from China to ASEAN and tensions with ethnic Chinese descent that never break up to the millennial generation. This research employs a qualitative approach to explore the perception of ASEANs communities towards China as a country and their fellow Chinese descent. It utilizes literature review, document analysis, media tracking and interview in several ASEAN countries that would be divided into three categories: (1) countries where antagonism between Chinese descent and indigenous rarely occur; (2) countries where antagonism between Chinese descent and indigenous frequently occur; (3) countries where antagonism between Chinese descent and indigenous oftenly occur. In addition, this research will also use a questionnaire distributed through an online platform to explore the perceptions of the ASEAN community towards China as a country and their fellow Chinese descent.

Chinese Identity, China, Millenial, ASEAN, Perception

• Aditya Permana, S.Fil., M.Hum.

• Mutiara Indriani, BSocSc., M.A.