A new survey from Pew Research Center has highlighted the persistent unfavorable views that Americans hold towards China, as geopolitical tensions and economic concerns dominate US public opinion.
The study, conducted among 3,600 US adults in early April 2024, delves into the complexities of these perceptions and their implications on foreign policy priorities.
Despite some shifts in international dynamics, an overwhelming majority of Americans—81%—continue to view China negatively, a sentiment that has remained consistent over the past five years.
The Pew research reveals that an increasing number of Americans perceive China as a foe. The proportion of those who consider China an enemy of the United States has reached its highest point since the question was first posed by Pew in 2021, standing at approximately 42 per cent.
This critical stance extends to Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is similarly viewed unfavorably. The survey reflects growing concerns among the American populace regarding China’s expanding global influence and its interaction with other nations, particularly in terms of territorial disputes and economic impact.
Key findings from the survey:
The study, conducted among 3,600 US adults in early April 2024, delves into the complexities of these perceptions and their implications on foreign policy priorities.
Despite some shifts in international dynamics, an overwhelming majority of Americans—81%—continue to view China negatively, a sentiment that has remained consistent over the past five years.
The Pew research reveals that an increasing number of Americans perceive China as a foe. The proportion of those who consider China an enemy of the United States has reached its highest point since the question was first posed by Pew in 2021, standing at approximately 42 per cent.
This critical stance extends to Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is similarly viewed unfavorably. The survey reflects growing concerns among the American populace regarding China’s expanding global influence and its interaction with other nations, particularly in terms of territorial disputes and economic impact.
Key findings from the survey:
- Consistent negative perceptions: Approximately 81% of Americans have an unfavorable view of China, with 43% expressing a very unfavorable opinion.
- Increasing influence acknowledged: About 71% of Americans believe that China’s global influence has strengthened in recent years.
- Concerns over territorial disputes: Sixty-one percent of Americans express concerns over China’s territorial disputes with neighboring countries.
- China as a competitor or enemy: Only 6% of US adults see China as a partner, while 50% view it as a competitor and 42% as an enemy.
- Impact on the US economy: Many Americans perceive China’s impact on the US economy as significant and negative.
- Priority on limiting China’s power: Nearly half of the respondents believe that limiting China’s power should be a top foreign policy priority.
- Partisan differences: Republicans, especially conservative ones, are more likely to view China unfavorably and as an enemy compared to Democrats.
- Generational divide: Older Americans (ages 65 and above) are more critical of China than younger adults (ages 18-29).
- Economic pessimism correlates with negative views: Those dissatisfied with the US economy are more likely to have negative views of China.
