NZ Poll: Distrust in China and US Rises Among New Zealanders

New Zealand Poll Shows Rising Distrust in United States and China

A new survey by the Asia New Zealand Foundation shows that 36 percent of New Zealanders view China as a threat, up from 23 percent in June. At the same time, distrust in the United States has also climbed as shifting geopolitical behaviors weigh on public perception.

The poll reveals that 39 percent of respondents view the United States as a threat, marking a four percentage point increase from the previous survey. Meanwhile, the proportion of New Zealanders viewing the US as a friend dropped sharply from 39 percent to 24 percent. Those viewing China as a friend fell from 43 percent to 23 percent over the same period.

Public Distrust and Regional Power Trust Rankings

Distrust in both superpowers registered significant gains in the latest polling data. More than half of New Zealanders, or 56 percent, reported having little trust in the US, with 30 percent citing very low trust. For China, 48 percent reported little trust, and 18 percent reported very low trust regarding responsible action on the world stage.

Only 18 percent expressed high trust in the United States, while 16 percent reported high trust in China. Australia remains New Zealand’s most trusted power at 78 percent high or very high trust, followed by the United Kingdom and Japan. Just over one in five respondents, or 22 percent, expressed high trust in India.

Throughout our polling, what we see is Kiwis being very wary of great powers, and great powers especially that seem to be breaking rules or potentially harming New Zealand’s interests, said Dr Julia MacDonald of the Asia New Zealand Foundation.

Ballistic missile tests increase public anxiety

Dr MacDonald attributed the shift in perceptions toward China partly to a ballistic missile test conducted in the Pacific in July. Half of those surveyed stated they were very or extremely concerned about that test, which involved a submarine-launched ballistic missile.

Broader international conflicts also dominated public anxiety. Sixty-two percent of respondents reported being very or extremely concerned about the US-Israel war with Iran. Additionally, 57 percent expressed high concern regarding the rapid development of artificial intelligence and its potential impact.

Differentiating Defence from Future Prosperity

Despite growing distrust, respondents continued to separate the distinct roles that Washington and Beijing play in New Zealand’s future. New Zealanders view China as significant to the country’s future, while they look to the United States to support national security and defence.

What is striking is that concern or distrust does not necessarily mean New Zealanders see a country as unimportant or that we should disengage, MacDonald said. People are distinguishing between the different roles these major powers play – from future prosperity to defence and security – and what those relationships mean for New Zealand.

Questions about the Asia New Zealand Foundation survey

When was the Asia New Zealand Foundation survey conducted?

The survey follows a previous poll conducted in June and captures shifts in public sentiment up to the release of the findings, including reactions to events that occurred in July.

How do New Zealanders view the importance of China and the US differently?

Respondents view China as significant to New Zealand’s future, whereas they look to the United States primarily for security and defence support.

Which foreign power holds the highest level of trust among New Zealanders?

Australia is New Zealand’s most trusted power, with 78 percent of respondents expressing high or very high trust in the country.

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