Australians are increasingly likely to view China as an economic partner rather than a strategic threat, according to recent polling that highlights a shift in public sentiment within the Quad alliance countries. The findings, derived from a US Studies Centre report, indicate a notable change compared to data from two years ago, when Australians were twice as likely to consider the United States more helpful in the region than China.

The report, which surveyed around 1,000 citizens across Australia, the United States, Japan, and India, found that Australians now see China and the US as equally beneficial allies in Asia. Younger Australians under 35 were particularly inclined to perceive China positively, with 37 percent seeing it as a helpful partner, compared to just 16 percent of those over 65. The findings suggest a softening attitude toward China among younger demographics in Australia and the United States.

This perspective contrasts sharply with attitudes in Japan and India, where 66 percent and 59 percent of respondents respectively viewed China as a danger. Similarly, 55 percent of Americans surveyed shared this concern. The proportion of Australians and Americans who consider it “very likely” their countries will engage in armed conflict with China within the next decade fell to 8 percent and 13 percent respectively, marking declines of 13 and 5 percentage points from 2022. Meanwhile, 60 percent of Japanese and 54 percent of Indian respondents expressed a similar expectation about potential conflict with China.

The report also noted a gradual erosion in confidence that the United States would come to the aid of its allies in the event of conflict, particularly in Japan and India. Nonetheless, cooperation on defense and emerging technologies between Australia, the US, and the UK is advancing.

These developments were highlighted as Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles and Assistant Science Minister Andrew Charlton embarked on visits to the US for high-level discussions. Marles is scheduled to meet with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and will then travel to the UK to engage with Defence Secretary Wes Streeting. AUKUS—a trilateral security partnership between Australia, the US, and the UK—remains a central focus of these talks. Marles described the partnership as “full steam ahead,” emphasizing close collaboration on areas including defence capabilities and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.

Meanwhile, Charlton is attending the G20 Innovation Ministerial in North Carolina, where international discussions will center on harnessing technologies like artificial intelligence to stimulate economic growth. These diplomatic and strategic engagements underscore Australia’s ongoing efforts to balance its economic ties with China alongside its security partnerships within the Quad framework and broader international alliances.