Themes

Relations with the US and China

The public debate surrounding Australia’s ties to the world’s two largest economies — China and the United States — has only been sharpened by the COVID-19 pandemic, and Australians appear to be leaning towards the United States. In 2020, more than half of the adult Australian population (55%) say Australia’s relationship with the United States is more important than the relationship with China.

Only four in ten Australians (40%) today say China is the more important relationship. The gap between the two superpowers on this question is now 15 points, where three years ago they were inseparable: in 2017, 45% said the US relationship was more important, compared with 43% choosing the China relationship.

14 questions match this theme

Relations with the US and China

Trust in global powers

How much do you trust the following countries to act responsibly in the world?
Asked in
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2011
- 2009
- 2008
- 2006
Relations with the US and China

Relations with superpowers - US and China

Is Australia's relationship with China or the United States more important to Australia?
Asked in
- 2020
- 2017
- 2016
- 2013
United States

Importance of the US alliance

How important is our alliance relationship with the United States for Australia’s security?
Asked in
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
- 2013
- 2012
- 2011
- and 6 more
United States

Military action under ANZUS

Under what circumstances should Australia act in accordance with our military alliance with the United States?
Asked in
- 2020
- 2013
Security and defence

Threats to Australia's vital interests

Below is a list of possible threats to the vital interest of Australia in the next ten years. Do you see this as a critical threat, an important but not critical threat, or not an important threat at all?
Asked in
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2014
- 2009
- 2008
- 2006
United States

Attitudes to ANZUS

I am now going to read you some different arguments about the alliance relationship with the United States. Please indicate whether you agree or disagree.
Asked in
Relations with the US and China

Relations with superpowers

Should the Australian government prioritise the United States or China, even if it may harm relations with the other?
Asked in
- 2019
Relations with the US and China

Good relations with the US and China

Do you think it is possible or not possible for Australia to have a good relationship with China and a good relationship with the United States at the same time?
Asked in
- 2018
- 2013
Australian foreign policy

Australia's bilateral relationships

In your opinion, are Australia's with the following countries improving, worsening, or staying about the same.
Asked in
Relations with the US and China

The world's leading superpower

Will China replace the United States as the world's leading superpower?
Asked in
- 2013
Australian foreign policy

Australia's bilateral relationships under the Rudd government

Since the Rudd government was elected in November 2007, do you think Australia's relations with each of the following countries are now better or worse?
Asked in
- 2010
United States

US power in the coming decade

Do you think the United States will be stronger or weaker as an economic and military power in the next ten years?
Asked in
- 2010
United States

Changing importance of ANZUS

Do you think our alliance with the United States is becoming more important, less important or is the importance of the alliance about the same?
Asked in
- 2009
Relations with the US and China

War over Taiwan

Should Australia act in accordance with ANZUS even if it means going to war with China over the independence of Taiwan?
Asked in
- 2005