The annual Asia Power Index measures resources and influence to rank the relative power of states in Asia. The index ranks 27 countries and territories in terms of their capacity to shape their external environment. This key findings report contains in-depth analysis of the 2025 edition. It provides insight into the changing power distribution in Asia and its geopolitical consequences.

The project evaluates international power in Asia through 131 indicators across eight thematic measures: military capability, defence networks, economic capability, economic relationships, diplomatic influence, cultural influence, resilience and future resources.

The report is accompanied by the Asia power index: 2025 edition digital platform.

Key findings

1.  The United States loses ground. The Trump administration’s policies have been a net negative for US power in Asia, but their true effect will only be felt in the years ahead.
2. China gains advantage. China is well placed to withstand coercive US economic policies. It is successfully positioning itself as a reliable partner amid uncertainty about the US approach to Asia.
3. India reaches major power status. India’s power in Asia continues to grow steadily but remains well below the potential of its resources.
4. Russia resurges. Russia’s power in Asia is rebounding, aided by support from authoritarian partners North Korea and China.
5. Status quo Japan. Japan’s power in Asia remains steady, but leadership churn in Tokyo has seen it lose altitude as an Indo-Pacific player.
6. Southeast Asia’s winners and losers. Malaysia’s regional influence has grown but others, especially Thailand, are domestically preoccupied.
7. Australia faces challenges. Australia’s economic and military resources have declined relative to other countries, meaning it will need to work harder with what it has to maintain influence in Asia.