Trust between Australia and China has never been at a lower level than it is now, according to an annual survey that follows other polling with a similar tone.
In Australia, more than 60% of those recently surveyed say they see China as a security threat more than an economic partner.
Three years ago, only 12% of Australians saw China as more of a threat than a partner.
The findings come from an annual survey done by the Lowy Institute, a nonpartisan international think tank in Australia.
It tracks with other recent polling data about China.
A survey of 14 countries done last autumn by the Pew Research Center found that feelings about China have grown more negative in recent years, with a staggering drop in the last few years.
The Pew research found that more than 7 in 10 respondents across all countries have “not much” or “no confidence” in Chinese President Xi Jinping to “do the right thing regarding world affairs.”
Negative opinions about China are especially strong among several countries in the Asia Pacific—with “unfavorable feelings” reported by 75% of South Koreans, 81% of Australians and 86% of Japanese.
A more recent Pew survey in March finds 89% of American adults consider China more of a competitor or enemy rather than a partner.
