Key facts
- A majority of Australians now consider their relationship with China more important than their ties to the US.
- Confidence in President Donald Trump has reached a record low, with only 21% trusting him to act responsibly.
- Overall trust in the US has fallen to 31%, while trust in China has risen to 28%.
- Despite waning trust in the US, 73% of Australians still view the alliance as important for national security.
- 71% of Australians support increasing defense spending and view China as a security threat.
Australians increasingly view their relationship with China as more important than their ties to the United States, according to a new poll, while confidence in President Donald Trump has fallen to a record low. The Lowy Institute's 2026 survey reveals a majority of respondents feel "unsafe" and show a drop in support for cultural diversity, with a slim majority believing immigration levels are too high.
The UTS:ACRI/BIDA Poll 2025 indicates a moderation in public sentiment toward China, with 71% of Australians supporting stronger ties with Beijing, a significant increase. However, underlying mistrust of the Chinese government remains high at 64%, and 54% express concern about the bilateral relationship, reflecting memories of past coercive trade measures and ongoing regional assertiveness.
Despite the thaw in political relations, nearly three-quarters of Australians (71%) still regard China as a security threat, and half (50%) believe conflict with China within three years is a serious possibility. Concerns about China's actions in the South China Sea are also prevalent, with 72% viewing them as a threat to Australia's interests.
In parallel, trust in the United States has plunged to a record low of 31%, with only 21% of Australians trusting President Donald Trump to act responsibly in world affairs. This is almost identical to the 20% who trust Chinese President Xi Jinping. The poll author noted a "strong distaste for Trumpism and his policy agenda" among Australians.
However, the US alliance remains important to many Australians, with 73% stating it is crucial for national security, though this is a drop from previous years. Support for increasing defense expenditure has risen to 72%, and 50% now support the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines under AUKUS. Views on defending Taiwan remain divided, with 37% supporting intervention and 50% favoring neutrality in a conflict scenario.