The latest Pew Research Center survey has revealed that more than 40% of Americans now view China as an enemy, marking a significant increase from just a quarter two years ago. This shift in perception represents the highest level of animosity towards China in five years.
According to the report, half of Americans see China as a competitor, while only 6% consider the country a partner. These findings come at a time when the Biden administration is working to stabilize U.S.-China relations to prevent potential conflicts, while also addressing various issues such as Russia’s actions in Ukraine, Taiwan, and human rights.
Both Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen have recently visited China as part of the administration’s efforts to manage the competition with Beijing. Despite these diplomatic efforts, President Joe Biden has been emphasizing a tough stance on China, particularly in comparison to former President Donald Trump.
The survey, conducted from April 1-7 with a sample of 3,600 U.S. adults, also found that approximately half of Americans believe limiting China’s power and influence should be a top foreign policy priority for the U.S. This sentiment is consistent with previous years, as about eight in 10 Americans continue to hold an unfavorable view of China.
The negative perceptions of China have been attributed to various factors, including the trade war initiated by the U.S. in 2018, the origins of COVID-19 in China, Beijing’s human rights record, and its relationships with Russia, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. As a result, American attitudes towards China have become increasingly critical.
Notably, 42% of Americans now consider China an enemy of the U.S., the highest level since 2021 when Pew first began asking the question. Republicans and Republican-leaning independents are more likely to view China as an enemy, with 59% of them holding this belief compared to 28% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning individuals.
Overall, older Americans, conservative Republicans, and those with negative views of the U.S. economy are more likely to see China as an enemy. The perception of China also correlates with Americans’ views on its influence in the world and the U.S. economy.
The Pew report highlights the complex dynamics of U.S.-China relations and the significant impact of public opinion on foreign policy decisions. With tensions between the two countries continuing to escalate, the future of this critical relationship remains uncertain.
