Americans' View of China Turns Increasingly Negative: Pew Survey

 This represents a significant increase from just a quarter of respondents two years ago. The survey also found that about four in five Americans continue to see China in an unfavorable light, with 43% viewing the country very unfavorably. Half of the respondents identified China as a competitor, while only 6% considered it a partner to the U.S.

The heightened negative sentiment towards China coincides with a contentious period between the two nations, as indicated by both Democratic incumbent Joe Biden and Republican rival Donald Trump signaling tough stances on China. This includes measures such as trade restrictions, sanctions, and proposed bans on Chinese companies like TikTok owner ByteDance. Public opinion appears to support these policies, with about half of Americans polled believing that curbing China's power and influence should be a top foreign policy priority for the U.S. Additionally, concerns about China's growing global influence and regional disputes with its neighbors are widespread among respondents.

Opinions on China vary significantly based on factors such as age and political affiliation, with Republicans and older Americans more likely to hold unfavorable views. Efforts to address tensions between the two countries have been made, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen recently visiting China to increase dialogue and collaboration. Despite these efforts, the relationship remains characterized by a mix of competition and cooperation, according to experts.