A new poll from think tank Third Way, shared with news website Semafor, shows a shift in American attitudes toward China. Since 2023, the proportion of Americans who consider China an "enemy" has fallen by seven percentage points, while those who see it as an "ally or trade partner" have increased by eight points.

A growing number of Americans – now a majority – say they prefer cooperation and finding "areas of agreement" with China, a notable rise from 32 percent in 2023. 

The poll, conducted by Third Way in May following Trump's initial wave of aggressive tariffs on Beijing, highlights a nuanced shift. As a memo accompanying the results notes, "Americans aren't softening on China because they admire its government," but rather because they are increasingly aware of China's role in their everyday lives – making them more reluctant to resort to blunt force.

(Cover photo: Cars and trucks drive on the multi-lane K Street near Washington Circle in the city center, 04 August 2025, Washington, U.S. /VCG)