Relations with superpowers: United States and China

−7 from 2025

In 2026, only 45% say Australia’s relationship with the United States was more important than Australia’s relationship with China.

Question Relations with superpowers: United States and China

Now about Australia’s relationships with China and the United States. Which relationship do you think is more important to Australia?

  1. 0%
  2. 25%
  3. 50%
  4. 75%
Australia’s relationship with China
51
Australia’s relationship with the United States
45
Both equally
[object Object]
Total
All groups

2026 observation

When asked about the relationship between the two superpowers, a clear majority (64%) say the United States should place a greater priority on stabilising ties with China. Only 16% say the United States should prioritise challenging China’s role in the world. Few Australians see an alternative to either of the two superpowers, with only 8% nominating Europe and 5% nominating India as the most important and powerful strategic actors in ten years’ time.