Editor's note: Jessica Durdu, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is a foreign affairs specialist and PhD candidate in international relations at China Foreign Affairs University. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

Recent polling data from the think tank Third Way reveals a striking shift in American public opinion regarding China. Between 2023 and 2025, the percentage of Americans who view China as an "enemy" has dropped by 7 percentage points, while those who regard it as a "trade partner" have increased by 8 percentage points. Additionally, there has been a significant rise, by 20 percentage points, in the number of Americans who favor cooperation and consensus-building with China.

This change in sentiment reflects not only the evolving dynamics of global politics but also the growing dependence of the U.S. on Chinese goods and services. It also signals a disconnect between public opinion and official U.S. trade policy, particularly when it comes to tariffs.

One of the most critical reasons behind this shift in public opinion is the deepening economic interdependence between the U.S. and China. Over the past few decades, China has become the world's factory, producing a wide array of goods that American consumers rely on daily. From high-quality technologies to the simplest everyday goods, and even essential medical supplies, Chinese products are deeply embedded in the U.S. economy. As of 2025, the U.S. is one of China's largest trading partners, importing goods worth hundreds of billions annually.

This dependence has led many Americans to reconsider their stance on China. While political leaders often frame China as a strategic rival, the average American consumer is far more likely to acknowledge the reality that China plays an indispensable role in the global supply chain.

For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Americans came to realize just how reliant they were on Chinese manufacturing for essential goods such as personal protective equipment and medicines. This dependence has fostered a sense of pragmatism among the American public, leading to a growing understanding of China's centrality to the global economy. As a result, Americans are becoming more reluctant to endorse harsh measures that could disrupt trade relations, particularly tariffs, which could have adverse effects on their access to affordable goods.

The second major factor driving the shift in public opinion is the growing divergence between public sentiment and U.S. tariff policies. Historically, tariffs were seen as a tool to protect domestic industries and reduce reliance on foreign nations. However, in the case of U.S.-China relations, the reality of tariff policies has been less than favorable for American consumers and businesses.

In the recent past months, U.S. President Donald Trump imposed aggressive tariffs on many countries but most specifically on China in an attempt to address what he perceived as an unfair trade imbalance. However, these tariffs have had a direct impact on the cost of consumer goods in the U.S. Higher prices for everyday items, such as electronics, clothing and even groceries, have made Americans more critical of the very policies that were supposed to benefit them. According to a study by the National Bureau of Economic Research, the tariffs on China have cost American households an average of $1,300 per year.

The latest data indicates that Americans are increasingly aware of this contradiction. Therefore, public opinion is shifting toward a preference for cooperation and consensus-building. This mirrors broader calls within the U.S. political establishment to engage China more constructively on trade, rather than relying on tariffs that disproportionately impact the average American consumer.

A third contributing factor to the shift in public opinion is the changing geopolitical landscape and the rise of pragmatism among the American public. For years, American policymakers have framed China primarily through the lens of ideological competition and rivalry. The narrative of China as a threat to U.S. global hegemony has dominated much of the discourse in Washington. However, this zero-sum approach to international relations is increasingly being questioned by the American public.

The reality is that China's rise has not only led to its economic and technological prominence but also positioned it as a key player in addressing global challenges. From climate change to public health, China's involvement in multilateral efforts is undeniable. Moreover, China’s Belt and Road Initiative and its inspirational influence in Africa and Latin America have shown that China is not merely a regional power but a global one with vast reach.

In this context, many Americans are recognizing that confronting China through isolationist policies and confrontational rhetoric may no longer be feasible or effective. In fact, they are also aware of the fact that their acts towards China are not only having bilateral results but also disrupt their relations with other countries, i.e. even with their traditional allies.

The shift in American public opinion toward China is a complex phenomenon driven by economic realities, the impact of tariff policies and changing geopolitical dynamics. As Americans become more aware of their dependence on Chinese products and services, they are increasingly reluctant to support policies that harm this vital relationship.

Whether U.S. policymakers will heed this shift and adapt their strategies accordingly remains to be seen. However, the polling data clearly suggests that Americans are beginning to recognize that a more pragmatic, cooperative approach to China is not only in their economic interest but also in the broader interest of global stability.

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at opinions@cgtn.com. Follow @thouse_opinions?on Twitter to discover the latest commentaries in the CGTN Opinion Section.)