Trump will head to Beijing amid warming trend in sentiment about China at home
Positive views of China have nearly doubled since 2023, with 27% of Americans now holding favorable opinions.
American public opinion toward China has softened significantly ahead of a crucial diplomatic summit scheduled for May between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. According to a new Pew Research Center survey of 12,000 US adults, positive sentiment has risen to 27%, marking a 6-percentage-point increase since last year and nearly doubling since 2023. While a majority still view China unfavorably, the share describing it as an 'enemy' has declined, particularly among Democrats. This warming trend provides a notably less hostile domestic backdrop for the leaders' upcoming negotiations on complex issues like trade, technology competition, and regional security.
The summit, initially delayed due to the Iran conflict, will now proceed in May amid this shifting sentiment. Pew's analysis, based on surveys conducted in January and March 2026, indicates that China is perceived as 'less threatening' by many Americans today. Associate director Laura Silver noted the drop in those labeling China an adversary, suggesting a potential opening for more cooperative diplomacy. This evolving public mood could influence the political calculus and tone of the talks, which carry high stakes for global economic stability and US-China relations.
- Positive US views of China hit 27%, nearly double the 2023 level according to Pew Research.
- The share of Americans calling China an 'adversary' has fallen, with a notable drop among Democrats.
- The sentiment shift comes ahead of a rescheduled high-stakes Trump-Xi summit in May 2026.
Why It Matters
Shifting public opinion creates a more permissive environment for diplomatic engagement, potentially easing tensions in critical US-China negotiations.