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Superpower relations: China tipped as most powerful within a decadeSuperpower relations: China tipped as most powerful within a decade
More than half of Australians (54%) say China will be the most important and powerful country in ten years. Only 31% think the United States will hold this status, up four points from last year’s Poll.
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.
For the first time in the history of the Lowy Institute Poll, a majority of Australians (51%) say that Australia’s relationship with China is more important than its relationship with the United States (the question has been asked five times since 2005). A significant minority (45%) say Australia’s relationship with the United States is more important than its relationship with China.
About the author
Charles Lyons-Jones
Charles Lyons-Jones is a Research Fellow in the Lowy Institute’s Foreign Policy and Public Opinion Program. He oversees the annual Lowy Institute Poll and the Global Diplomacy Index.
