Americans are beginning to have a more favorable view of China as the trade conflict between the two largest global economies persists. Recent surveys from the Pew Research Center.
The findings indicate that the percentage of Americans holding negative views towards China has decreased by 4%. Last year, 84% of Americans viewed China unfavorably, which has now dropped to 77% in the 2025 survey.
This represents the first decrease in five years. Changes are happening as the Trump administration is pressured by international counterparts over reciprocal tariffs, which currently stand at 145% for imports from China.
Chinese officials have opposed the increasing tariffs, withholding gas exports in light of the 125% tariffs imposed on imports from the US and other domestically produced goods.
Polling data reveals that one in four Americans thinks China gains more from trade relationships than the US does. 10% feel the US is at an advantage, while 25% believe both nations benefit equally. 2% think one side is profitable, and 16% are uncertain.
Nonetheless, a majority of 52% of respondents expressed the belief that tariffs are detrimental to the United States.
In contrast, 24% view them as beneficial for the nation, 6% deem them ineffective, and 19% are not certain.
President Trump’s choice to implement a 90-day pause on mutual tariffs with all countries aside from China has sparked significant contention. The White House insists the nation is striving to negotiate a trade agreement despite China’s pushback.
“The world is poised to collaborate with President Trump to rectify global trade, while China has opted for a different course,” said Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick last Thursday on Social Platform X.
China has labeled the actions of the Trump administration as self-serving and intends to maintain its stance in the trade conflict.
“If the US chooses to disregard its own interests, as well as those of China and the rest of the world, while continuing trade wars and tariffs, China’s response will persist,” stated Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lyn Zian last Wednesday.
