US Think Tank Survey: American Public's View of China Improves
A recent survey by the Pew Research Center indicates a slight improvement in the American public's overall impression of China, with the proportion holding a positive view nearly doubling since 2023. However, most Americans still consider China a competitor. The positive shift is more pronounced among Democrats and younger demographics.
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- 📰 Published: April 17, 2026 at 12:22
- 🔍 Collected: April 17, 2026 at 12:31 (9 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 17, 2026 at 17:25 (4h 54m after Collected)
Central News Agency
(Central News Agency, Taipei, April 17) A latest survey shows a slight improvement in the American public's overall impression of China, with the proportion holding a positive view nearly doubling compared to 2023; however, at the same time, most Americans still regard China as a competitor.
Deutsche Welle Chinese Network reported earlier that the American think tank 'Pew Research Center' found, based on surveys in January and March this year, that an increasing number of Americans hold a positive view of China. The survey shows that 27% of American respondents have a positive evaluation of China, a 6 percentage point increase from last year, and nearly double compared to 2023.
Over the past nearly 10 years, most Americans have held a negative view of China, and this situation still exists; however, the proportion holding a positive view of China is rising.
According to the survey, trust in Chinese President Xi Jinping to make correct decisions in international affairs increased by 4 percentage points from last year, and roughly doubled compared to 2023.
When asked whether China is a 'partner,' 'enemy,' or 'competitor' of the United States, fewer Americans considered China an enemy than in 2025, but most still considered China a competitor.
The proportion believing that China benefits at the expense of the United States in trade was slightly lower than last year.
The survey shows that the increase in favorability towards China mainly comes from Democrats and independent voters leaning towards the Democratic Party; the proportion of Democrats who view China positively increased by 8 percentage points from last year, while the views of Republicans and independent individuals leaning towards the Republican Party remained largely unchanged; however, compared to 2023, favorability towards China has significantly increased within both parties.
Another survey in January showed that the American public's perception of US-China relations is also changing, with 28% of respondents considering China an 'enemy,' compared to 33% in 2025; 60% consider China a 'competitor,' up from 56%; about one-tenth consider China a 'partner.'
The study points out that the American public's trust in President Trump's China policy has slightly decreased, while trust in Beijing's policy has increased.
Younger Americans have a significantly more positive view of China. Approximately 34% of those under 50 have a positive impression of China, while only 19% of those aged 50 and above share this view.
On the question of whether China is an 'enemy,' there is also a significant difference between younger and older people, with 20% of those under 50 holding this view, compared to 38% of those aged 50 and above.
At the same time, Americans generally still lack confidence in Xi Jinping, but this level of distrust has eased, with trust increasing by about 4 percentage points annually over the past two years. Consistent with the overall trend, Democrats and younger people have higher confidence in Xi Jinping than other groups. (Editor: Chou Hui-ying/Chen Kai-yu) 1150417
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(Central News Agency, Taipei, April 17) A latest survey shows a slight improvement in the American public's overall impression of China, with the proportion holding a positive view nearly doubling compared to 2023; however, at the same time, most Americans still regard China as a competitor.
Deutsche Welle Chinese Network reported earlier that the American think tank 'Pew Research Center' found, based on surveys in January and March this year, that an increasing number of Americans hold a positive view of China. The survey shows that 27% of American respondents have a positive evaluation of China, a 6 percentage point increase from last year, and nearly double compared to 2023.
Over the past nearly 10 years, most Americans have held a negative view of China, and this situation still exists; however, the proportion holding a positive view of China is rising.
According to the survey, trust in Chinese President Xi Jinping to make correct decisions in international affairs increased by 4 percentage points from last year, and roughly doubled compared to 2023.
When asked whether China is a 'partner,' 'enemy,' or 'competitor' of the United States, fewer Americans considered China an enemy than in 2025, but most still considered China a competitor.
The proportion believing that China benefits at the expense of the United States in trade was slightly lower than last year.
The survey shows that the increase in favorability towards China mainly comes from Democrats and independent voters leaning towards the Democratic Party; the proportion of Democrats who view China positively increased by 8 percentage points from last year, while the views of Republicans and independent individuals leaning towards the Republican Party remained largely unchanged; however, compared to 2023, favorability towards China has significantly increased within both parties.
Another survey in January showed that the American public's perception of US-China relations is also changing, with 28% of respondents considering China an 'enemy,' compared to 33% in 2025; 60% consider China a 'competitor,' up from 56%; about one-tenth consider China a 'partner.'
The study points out that the American public's trust in President Trump's China policy has slightly decreased, while trust in Beijing's policy has increased.
Younger Americans have a significantly more positive view of China. Approximately 34% of those under 50 have a positive impression of China, while only 19% of those aged 50 and above share this view.
On the question of whether China is an 'enemy,' there is also a significant difference between younger and older people, with 20% of those under 50 holding this view, compared to 38% of those aged 50 and above.
At the same time, Americans generally still lack confidence in Xi Jinping, but this level of distrust has eased, with trust increasing by about 4 percentage points annually over the past two years. Consistent with the overall trend, Democrats and younger people have higher confidence in Xi Jinping than other groups. (Editor: Chou Hui-ying/Chen Kai-yu) 1150417
Choose to stand with facts, every sponsorship you make is a force to protect press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency 'First-hand News' APP to stay updated with the latest news.
The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or utilized without authorization.
FAQ
How has the American public's positive view of China changed?
According to a Pew Research Center survey, the proportion of Americans holding a positive view of China has nearly doubled since 2023, reaching 27%. This increase is particularly noticeable among Democrats and younger demographics.
How do Americans perceive China?
The survey indicates that most Americans view China as a 'competitor,' with 28% considering it an 'enemy.' Approximately one-tenth see China as a 'partner.'