Majority of Chinese Citizens View U.S. as Competitor, Favor Nuanced Approach Toward Washington Amid Escalating Trade Tensions

A groundbreaking study on Chinese public opinion regarding foreign affairs has revealed that while most Chinese citizens do not consider the United States as an ally, they advocate for a balanced approach towards Washington.

The survey, published this week by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs in partnership with The Carter Center, indicates that the top two perceived threats to China involve the U.S., specifically economic competition and potential conflict over Taiwan.

When it comes to China’s role on the global stage, opinions are divided. However, a significant majority of respondents favor either cooperating amicably with the U.S. or curtailing American influence when necessary.

The study offers valuable insights into the perspectives of everyday Chinese citizens on international relations. Noteworthy, as China’s president, Xi Jinping, recently hosted leaders from North Korea, Russia, and other countries in Beijing for a grand military parade, which analysts suggest was aimed at sending a message to the U.S. and its democratic allies.

The poll reveals that only 17% of Chinese respondents view the U.S. favorably, making it the nation with the lowest percentage of positive sentiment towards America among those surveyed. Meanwhile, 55% consider economic competition with the U.S. as a major threat to China.

Following President Trump’s imposition of new tariffs on China earlier this year, bilateral trade tensions have escalated significantly between Washington and Beijing, culminating in an ongoing series of reciprocal import levies.

Despite their reservations about the U.S., 61% of those surveyed believe that China should strive for a balanced approach towards Washington, either through friendly cooperation or strategic limits on American power.

Those who perceive Beijing as economically stronger tend to advocate for friendly cooperation, while those who view China as more powerful favor limiting American influence. In contrast, large majorities in China consider Russia and North Korea as allies, while a majority does not view U.S. regional allies South Korea, Japan, or the Philippines as friends of China, reflecting the Beijing government’s stance.

As Washington imposes tariffs on various trading partners, leaders in Beijing have sought to capitalize on the ensuing instability within the global system. Chinese President Xi Jinping recently emphasized the importance of multilateralism and trade at a meeting of non-Western leaders, reiterating China’s support for the U.N.-centered international system and the World Trade Organization.

According to the study, 73% believe that international trade benefits China’s overall economy and standard of living, while 60% support a policy of global free trade. However, analysts note that China’s rhetoric on free trade and multilateralism may not always align with its actions.

Chinese citizens’ attitudes towards trade mirror those of Americans, as evidenced by another poll conducted by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. Despite recent tariffs imposed by President Trump, 55% of U.S. respondents now advocate for a global free trade agenda.

The survey also found that 57% view the U.S.-China conflict over Taiwan as a major threat to their country. The U.S. does not recognize Taiwan as an independent nation but sells arms to Taipei and maintains a deliberately ambiguous policy regarding potential military intervention in case of a Chinese attack on the island.

While Beijing views Taiwan as its own territory, Chinese people generally hold Taiwanese citizens in high regard, with 91% believing they are friendly. However, only 44% view the government in Taipei favorably.

The study found that 90% of Chinese people support China’s involvement in international affairs, contrasting with U.S. domestic opinion, where fewer than 50% believe it is beneficial for the U.S. to be engaged on the world stage.

In recent years, China has increased its presence in multilateral organizations and created new initiatives, such as the Belt and Road initiative (BRI), which has seen Chinese firms engage in business and construction across much of the globe. As of July 2025, some 150 countries had signed cooperation agreements with China under the BRI framework.

The study concludes that 97% of Chinese people believe their country is now in a strong position on the global stage. Dina Smeltz, vice president of public opinion and foreign policy at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, notes that there is a high degree of confidence in China among its population, but opinions regarding China’s leadership role in world affairs are divided. While 48% believe China should share leadership responsibilities, 41% advocate for a dominant role.