On September 23, a survey report released by the Pew Research Center in the United States showed that public attitudes towards China have improved compared to 2021. However, the majority still hold a cold attitude towards China. Among them, Democratic supporters and young Americans have relatively more positive views of China.
This survey report measures the attitude of American citizens towards China using a “emotional thermometer” from 0 to 100 points. 0 points represent extreme coldness and negativity, while 50 points indicate neutrality. 100 points represent extreme enthusiasm and positivity. The report shows that the average score given by Americans to China is 37 points, which is significantly higher than the 28 points in 2021.
This survey was conducted from September 14th to 20th, involving interviews with 5,193 American adults. The Pew Research Center noted that the scoring method used in this survey differs from those used in general likability surveys, but both methods indicate that Americans’ views of China have improved in recent years.
Specifically, 19% of respondents held a warm attitude towards China, with scores exceeding 50 points, which is higher than the 11% in 2021. The number of respondents who held a neutral attitude increased from 20% to 27%. On the other hand, those who held a cold attitude decreased from 68% to 54%. Among those who gave scores ranging from 0 to 24, indicating a very cold attitude, the number decreased from 47% to 34%.
In contrast, American public's perceptions of China have not yet returned to the level seen in 2018. In 2018, the average score was 42 points, with 22% of respondents having a warm attitude and 46% having a cold attitude.
From respondents from different political parties, there is a clear difference in perceptions of China. The average score for Democrats and independent voters leaning towards the Democratic Party was 43 points, higher than that of Republicans and independent voters leaning towards the Republican Party (29 points).
However, compared to 2021, both parties' attitudes towards China have improved. The number of Democrats who hold a positive attitude increased from 15% to 26%, while that of Republicans increased from 5% to 10%. The proportion of Republicans who gave China a score of zero also decreased from 37% to 19%.
From top to bottom: American adults, people aged 18-49, people over 50, Democrats and Democrats-leaning individuals, Republicans and Republicans-leaning individuals. In the color columns, from left to right: very cold, slightly cold, neutral, slightly warm, very warm. Pew Research Center website
In terms of age, respondents under 50 scored China with an average of 42 points, while those aged 50 and above scored 31 points. Both age groups saw increases in their scores compared to 2021, and the average score difference over the past decade remained roughly at 10 points.
