A new survey finds that two-thirds of Republicans view China as a threat to the US, compared to 44 percent of Democrats and Independents. At the same time, opinions toward China are softening, with 53 percent of Americans favoring friendly cooperation, up from 40 percent in 2024.
A new survey by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs reveals deepening divisions in American views on China. The report indicates that two-thirds of Republicans now likely view Beijing as a threat to the US, compared to 44 percent of Democrats and Independents. This gap highlights a lessening of bipartisan agreement.
However, there has been a softening in overall opinions toward China. Fifty-three percent of Americans want friendly cooperation, though this is heavily tilted toward Democrats and Independents, up from 40 percent in 2024. “This is the first time since 2019 that a majority of Americans have preferred a policy of cooperation and engagement with China,” said Dina Smeltz, the council’s managing director of public opinion and foreign policy. “This shift is primarily driven by Democrats’ change in opinion.”
In addition to rating their feelings on China and desiring friendly cooperation, respondents were asked whether they viewed the country as a critical threat to the US. Keywords from the survey include Covid, Donald Trump, Republicans, Beijing, China, Democrats, US, US-China issues, Washington, US foreign policy. The survey was published on January 29, 2026, capturing the latest trends in US public opinion.
