China

Potential Chinese military base in the Pacific

The vast majority of Australians (87%) say they are ‘very concerned’ or ‘somewhat concerned’ about China potentially opening a military base in a Pacific Island country. While the overall result is the same as for a similar question asked in 2022 (88%), the number who say they are ‘very concerned’ fell by 18 points.

In a different question posed in 2019, a smaller majority of Australians (55%) said China opening a military base in a Pacific Island country would pose a critical threat to Australia’s vital interests in the next ten years.

China
Potential Chinese military base in the Pacific

Question

Now thinking about world events. To what extent are you concerned or not concerned about China potentially opening a military base in a Pacific Island country?

20%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%

2022

2023