Loading…
The 2026 Lowy Institute poll reveals a historic shift in Australian public opinion, with trust in China rising to 28% while confidence in the United States plunges to a record low of 31% Source: The Guardian. For the first time, both superpowers are distrusted in equal measure Source: The Guardian.
The survey of over 2,000 Australians shows a dramatic turnaround from 2022, when 63% viewed China as a security threat. Now, 61% see China primarily as an economic partner Source: Infobae. Trust in the US has fallen 20 points since 2022, driven by disapproval of President Donald Trump's foreign policy: only 21% approve of his handling of global affairs Source: Infobae, The Guardian.
Economic anxiety underpins much of the shift. 59% of Australians are pessimistic about the economy over the next five years, up 12 points from 2024 Source: The Guardian. This insecurity correlates with a steep drop in support for multiculturalism: the share agreeing cultural diversity is good for Australia fell from 90% to 73% – the largest single-year move in the poll's history Source: The Guardian. A majority (55%) now say immigration is “too high” Source: The Guardian.
Despite declining trust in Washington, 73% still consider the US alliance vital for security Source: The Guardian, Infobae. Support for the Aukus submarine deal holds firm Source: The Guardian.
“With trust in China rising from 20% to 28%, Charles Lyons-Jones... said this year’s survey marks an extraordinary milestone: for the first time 'the two superpowers are distrusted in equal measure'.”
“El 61 % de los australianos ven a China como un socio económico más que como una amenaza a la seguridad... que muestra un aumento de la confianza en Pekín y un declive de la misma hacia EE. UU.”
“The poll revealed a 17 percentage-point plunge in the share of people who say cultural diversity has been good for the country, from 90% in 2024 to 73% in the latest poll.”
“A majority of Australians surveyed, or 55%, say that the number of migrants coming to Australia is 'too high' – up from 48% in 2024.”
“Sobre Estados Unidos, la confianza ha caído al punto más bajo registrado durante los 20 años de mediciones, con un 31 % de apoyo sobre la actuación de Washington en el mundo.”
“Underpinning the dramatic decline in Australians’ faith in the US was that only one in five surveyed had confidence in Trump to do the right thing in global affairs.”
“six in 10 (59%) are pessimistic about Australia’s economic performance over the coming five years – up 12 percentage points from a year earlier.”
“No obstante, aún hay un 73 % que considera muy importante la alianza con EE. UU. para la seguridad nacional.”
Chinese underground church pastor Ezra Jin freed after Trump raised case
China pushes 'constructive strategic stability' as US seeks clearer definition
Pew survey shows China viewed more favorably than US in many nations
US Lets Hong Kong Emergency Order Expire, Trade Privileges May Return
US accuses China of pressuring states, firms to avoid Taiwan ties