Poll Shows American Views on China, Tariffs and Iran as Trump Visits Beijing

Most Americans see China primarily as an economic threat rather than a military one, according to a poll conducted by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, NPR and Ipsos. Nearly eight in 10 respondents said China seeks to be the dominant world leader.

By a 56 percent to 29 percent margin, they described the threat from China as more economic than military, with only 13 percent saying China represents no threat to the United States. A majority described China as either a rival or an adversary. Thirty-seven percent called it a rival and 21 percent an adversary.

One in five saw China as a necessary strategic partner, while 2 percent viewed it as an ally. Of 10 countries rated in the survey, only Russia was seen more negatively, with two-thirds of Americans calling it an adversary or rival. Americans expressed strong support for continued trade with China.

Sixty-two percent opposed significantly reducing trade between the two countries, citing potential increases in costs for U.S. consumers. This represents a shift from surveys conducted in 2020 and 2021, when majorities favored reducing trade even if it raised prices.

A majority of 58 percent also opposed increasing tariffs on Chinese imports. Tariffs were viewed negatively by large majorities for their effects on the cost of living, standard of living and job creation. Seventy-six percent said tariffs harm the U.S. cost of living, 70 percent said they harm the standard of living and 61 percent said they harm job creation.

Similar shares said tariffs hurt both the Chinese and American economies. Republicans and Democrats diverged sharply on tariffs. A majority of Republicans said tariffs are good for creating jobs, the U.S. economy and their standard of living. Strong majorities of independents and Democrats disagreed.

Seven in 10 Americans said they support reducing tariffs on China in exchange for increased purchases of U.S. agricultural products. The poll found broad support for restricting certain aspects of the economic relationship. Seven in 10 respondents said U.S. companies should be prohibited from selling sensitive high-tech products to China.

A slim majority of 53 percent opposed limiting the number of Chinese students studying in the United States. Republicans were more likely to favor increasing tariffs, decreasing trade and limiting Chinese students.

Views on the War in Iran A separate survey on Iran released the same day found Americans largely view the war there as harmful to U.S. interests. Eighty-six percent said it has been bad for the U.S. cost of living, 65 percent for national security and 72 percent for the country's reputation abroad.

Majorities also said the war has been bad for China, though more respondents believed it has benefited China's global position than U.S. national security. Political differences were pronounced on the war's effects. Solid majorities of Republicans said the conflict has been good for U.S. national security and Israel's security.

Half of Republicans said it has been good for the United States' reputation and its relationships with allies. Only small shares of Democrats and independents agreed with those assessments. Israel remains a point of division. Sixty percent of Republicans said the war has been good for Israel's security, compared with 20 percent of Democrats and one in three independents.

Fifty-eight percent of Republicans said Israel is playing a positive role in the Middle East, while 83 percent of Democrats and 70 percent of independents said it is playing a negative role.

42 percent of respondents said they follow news about U.S.-China relations at least somewhat closely. Domestic issues drew far more attention, with 70 percent following the economy closely and 65 percent following immigration. Sixty-seven percent said they follow the war in Iran closely, while 43 percent follow events related to the Russia-Ukraine war.

Both were carried out by Ipsos using its online panel. The results were released as President Trump begins his first trip to Beijing of his second term to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping. China's relationship with Iran is expected to be among the topics discussed.