President Trump’s trip to Beijing on Tuesday comes as Americans largely view China as an economic rival, with nearly 8 in 10 respondents saying China wants to be the dominant world leader, according to a recent poll.
The survey found that Americans see the threat from China as more economic than military, with 56% of respondents holding this view, compared to 29% who see it as a military threat. Only 13% believe China represents no threat at all to the U.S.
China Trade Relations
A majority of Americans want to maintain a strong trading relationship with China and would like to see tariffs reduced to keep costs to U.S. consumers down. Almost 7 in 10 respondents said they want to see tariffs reduced toward China in exchange for the buying of more U.S. agricultural products.
Tariffs are strongly viewed as bad for the cost of living in the United States, with 76% of respondents holding this view. However, a majority of Republicans appear to largely agree with the Trump administration argument that tariffs are good for creating jobs and the U.S. economy.
A strong majority of 62% opposes significantly reducing trade between the U.S. and China, especially because it could lead to greater costs for American consumers. This marks a shift from previous years, when majorities said they would be in favor of reducing trade, even if it meant higher costs.
Implications and Reactions
The poll also found that Americans are wary of certain aspects of the trade relationship with China, such as the sale of sensitive, high-tech products to China. A slim majority of 53% is against limiting the number of Chinese students studying in the United States.
President Trump’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping is likely to touch on China’s relationship with Iran, which is a strategic partner for China. Americans overwhelmingly feel that the war in Iran has been bad for the U.S. cost of living, national security, and reputation abroad.
The trip comes at a time when Americans are feeling the economic pinch, with many calling for lower prices and reduced tariffs. As the U.S. and China navigate their complex trade relationship, the outcome of President Trump’s meeting with Xi Jinping will have significant implications for the global economy and U.S. consumers.
