Most Americans Name China as US's 'Greatest Threat'—Poll

A new poll indicates that over half of Americans perceive China as the greatest threat, marking a significant shift over the past five years.

The latest National Defense Survey conducted by the Ronald Reagan Institute reveals a significant shift in American perceptions of global threats, with China now being viewed as the United States' greatest adversary by most respondents.

The Reagan National Defense Survey's findings reflect a growing public awareness and concern about China's rising influence and its implications for U.S. national security. According to the poll, 51 percent of Americans now perceive China as the primary threat faced by the U.S., a substantial increase from just 21 percent five years ago.

This change in public opinion underscores an evolving geopolitical landscape and the rising concerns about China's global influence.

Rachel Hoff, policy director at the Ronald Reagan Institute, highlighted this dramatic shift. "This view reflects the bipartisan national security consensus in Washington that has emerged in recent years," Hoff told Newsweek.

The survey sheds light on specific concerns regarding China, particularly the potential for an invasion of Taiwan.

Hoff noted that 73 percent of Americans are worried about this possibility and that there is growing support for actions to deter China and defend Taiwan. She added that support for deterring China and defending Taiwan is increasing yearly.

"Support only grows when respondents are given information about Taiwan's importance, both strategically and in terms of the values of freedom and democracy," Hoff said.

Another key finding from the survey relates to the perception of international alliances.

While overwhelming majorities view Australia (83 percent) and the United Kingdom (85 percent) as allies of the U.S., about three-quarters of Americans (73 percent) are reportedly unaware of the recent AUKUS security agreement involving Australia, the U.K., and the U.S., the survey said.

The AUKUS agreement is widely seen as an arrangement to check China's expanding ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region.

The survey also reveals concerns about the impact of congressional budget cuts on U.S. military capabilities. There is growing public support for increased military spending, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence, which are seen as crucial for maintaining technological superiority.

"Americans understand that technological superiority is a crucial aspect of our current competition: Better AI capabilities give us a strategic advantage over our rivals," Hoff said. "This is likely why a majority supports increased military spending on AI, as our survey reveals."

Hoff advocates a strategy of empowering allies as a sustainable way to manage global security challenges. By supporting allies in safeguarding their own sovereignty, the burden on U.S. forces can be reduced, she said.

This approach, she continued, positions America as the "arsenal of democracy" in contrast to adversaries like China, which she refers to as the "arsenal of autocracy."