A recent survey reveals a generational divide in American attitudes toward China that could influence the future trajectory of U.S.-China relations. Conducted by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, NPR, and Ipsos, the poll indicates younger Americans are less inclined than older generations to perceive China as a critical threat.

The survey, conducted from March 13 to 15 with 1,025 respondents, found that only 43 percent of Millennials and 34 percent of Generation Z view China’s rise as a significant threat to the United States. This contrasts with 62 percent of Baby Boomers and 56 percent of Generation X respondents who hold that view. The generational cohorts are defined as Boomers (born 1946–1964), Generation X (1965–1980), Millennials (1981–1996), and Generation Z (1997–2013).

According to the survey authors, younger Americans have grown up in an interconnected global environment shaped by digital communication and cross-cultural exchanges, contributing to more nuanced views of China. For example, 59 percent of Generation Z and 58 percent of Millennials support policies advocating friendly cooperation and engagement with China, compared to 48 percent of both Boomers and Generation X. Additionally, younger respondents strongly oppose increasing tariffs on Chinese goods, reflecting a more trade-oriented perspective.

The survey also showed that 86 percent of Boomers and 85 percent of Generation X believe China seeks to become the world’s dominant power, while fewer than two-thirds of Generation Z respondents share this perception. One-quarter of Generation Z participants said China poses no threat to the U.S., a perspective expressed by only 16 percent of Millennials, 11 percent of Generation X, and 4 percent of Boomers.

Despite these differences, the survey identified areas of broad agreement across generations, such as support for reducing tariffs on Chinese imports in exchange for increased U.S. agricultural exports and opposition to the sale of sensitive high-technology products to China. However, divisions emerged on policies concerning the presence of Chinese students in U.S. universities, with 56 percent of Boomers and 63 percent of Generation X favoring limits, while 65 percent of Millennials and 64 percent of Generation Z opposed such restrictions.

Several young Americans involved in cross-cultural exchanges cited personal experiences as shaping their more favorable views. Ashley Breinholt, a student at Brigham Young University, emphasized the importance of understanding China to broaden global awareness. Similarly, Harvard student Ilaria Luna reported that her time studying at East China Normal University allowed her to form independent opinions beyond U.S.-based media narratives.

Survey authors noted that as younger generations become a larger segment of the electorate, these shifting public attitudes could challenge existing assumptions driving U.S. policy toward China, potentially leading to new directions in bilateral relations in the years ahead.