How Americans view China has worsened significantly in the past two years, according to a poll from the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.
The poll found that a majority of respondents say the U.S. should work to actively limit the growth of China's power. Americas were asked to rate their feelings on China from zero to 100, with the average response being 26, down from 32 in 2022. That's the lowest number since the poll began in 1978.
"Views of China are very negative. You have fairly strong support, especially among Republicans, for some fairly hawkish policies toward China," said Craig Kafura, director for public opinion and foreign policy at the Chicago Council. "For all of the dislike, for all of the views of China as a rival or as a threat, it's something to be managed and not a war to be won for the American public."
Republicans and Democrats have negative attitudes toward China, according to the poll. Democrats support engaging with China and working to find common ground, while Republicans are concerned about the threat China poses, the poll found.
A majority of respondents (56%) said they see trade between the countries as weakening U.S. national security, while 79% support preventing American companies from selling sensitive high-tech products to China, an increase from 71% three years ago.
The poll found 55% of Americans favor increasing tariffs on Chinese goods, down from 62% from a 2021 survey.
The Chicago Council poll was conducted by Ipsos between June 21 and July 1, among a weighted national sample of 2,106 people. It has a margin of error of 2.3 percentage points.