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Illustrative photo. (Photo: vneconomy.vn)

According to an article published on Indonesia’s seasia.co on April 6, statistical data comparing the 10 largest Asian economies by GDP from 1980 to 2025 indicate a pronounced shift in the region’s economic center from Japan to China and India, alongside the rising role of Southeast Asia. Notably, although Vietnam is not among the top 10 in GDP in either period, it is still assessed as having a clearly increasing influence.

A comparison between 1980 and 2025 shows profound changes in Asia’s economic landscape: from Japan’s leading position to that of China and India. Growth momentum is now concentrated in large-scale economies with young populations and rapid urbanization. In addition, “middle powers” have risen markedly, with the Republic of Korea climbing to fourth place, while Indonesia has maintained a top-five position and become the largest economy in Southeast Asia. Significantly, Southeast Asia is increasingly asserting its role, as Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand are all among the top 10 in 2025, while several economies such as Iran, the Philippines, and Pakistan have been replaced, reflecting a shift in the regional balance of power.

The article emphasizes that countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia, although not in the top 10, are increasingly seen as influential in manufacturing, electronics, digital trade, and supply chain diversification. In many respects, Vietnam and Southeast Asia are currently benefiting from global trends seeking alternative and supplementary options, as well as new manufacturing hubs.

The author notes that if 1980 belonged to Japan and 2025 to China and India, then the next chapter may increasingly belong to the southern part of Asia, particularly Southeast Asia. Population size, urbanization, the expansion of the consumer class, and a strategic location between the Indian and Pacific Oceans are giving the region an increasingly central role in the “Asian century.” Indonesia’s rise is a clear testament to this trend. Singapore and Thailand continue to consolidate their positions, while Vietnam and Malaysia are helping to reinforce this trajectory.

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