A survey carried out among 3,576 adults by a Washington D.C.-based think tank, the Pew Research Center, found that American citizens are critical of the global role played by China, as well as its deepening relationship with Russia.
Major Findings
- Around 83% continue to hold negative views of China; the share of those who view China unfavourably has increased by 4 percentage points to 44% since March 2022.
- Almost four-in-ten Americans describe China as the US’ “enemy,” rather than as its “competitor” or “partner” — up 13 points since last year.
- Large majorities of both Republicans (84%) and Democrats (80%) believe China barely contributes to world peace and stability.
- Almost 47% of Americans believe China benefits more from trade with the US than vice versa, while 23% think it benefits both equally, and only 7% think the US benefits more.
- Approximately 38% view China as the world’s top economy, compared with 48% for the US.
Americans broadly distrust Chinese social media companies. 88% say they have little or no confidence in them to follow what their privacy policies say they will do with personal information, including 59% who say they have no confidence at all. https://t.co/rrKudlPteV pic.twitter.com/vl69B3ntzJ
— Pew Research Center (@pewresearch) April 14, 2023
China’s Relationship with Russia
In the wake of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s recent visit to Moscow, 62% of the respondents viewed the China-Russia partnership as a “very serious” problem for the US, up 5 points since October.
The concern surrounding the relationship matched the high level seen in the immediate aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Taiwan
Around 47% said that the tensions between mainland China and Taiwan are a “very serious” problem — a 19-point increase compared to two years ago.
Similarly, China’s human rights practices are also a “very serious” concern for around half of Americans.