By TIPPINSIGHTS EDITORIAL BOARD, TIPP Insights

The TIPP China Favorability Index dropped 2.8 points, or 8.0%, from 33.5 in 2021 to 30.7 in 2022.

For the yearly comparison, we averaged the monthly readings.

By party, Democrats dropped 12%, Republicans slid 2%, and Independents edged down 1%.

TechnoMetrica started tracking China’s favorability in March.

To compute the index, we use survey responses to the question: Generally speaking, is your opinion of China: Very Favorable, Somewhat Favorable, Not Very Favorable, or Not At All Favorable.

The indexes range from 0 to 100.  A reading of 50 or higher is favorable, while a reading of 50 or lower is unfavorable.  50 is neutral.

Only one of the 36 demographic groups we track has a favorable opinion of China.

Behind The Numbers

The perception of China is most positive among

• Age 18-24 group (51.0)
• Hispanics (43.9)
• Blacks (42.8),
• Age 25-44 group (42.5),
• Urban residents (40.7), and
• Democrats (38.4)

The perception of China is most negative among

• Age 65+ (15.7),
• White women (20.9),
• Age 45-64 (22.5),
• Republicans (22.6), and
• Married women (23.5).

President Biden’s Handling Of China

Only 27% give President Biden an A or B for his handling of China.  Democrats have a favorable view of Biden’s handling of China, while Republicans have an unfavorable view.  Independents are closer to Republicans than Democrats.

By party and ideology, share giving an A or B:

• 49% of Democrats
• 8% of Republicans
• 16% of Independents
• 19% of Conservatives
• 22% of Moderates
• 48% of Liberals

Relevance

The drop in favorability is not surprising. Over the past few months, Beijing’s actions have deepened the world’s concerns regarding China’s ambitions and aggressions.

President Xi Jinping, enjoying his unprecedented third term, has overtly expressed his intentions to ‘unify’ Taiwan. Despite Washington’s stated willingness to maintain the status quo, Beijing has deemed political visits as ‘provocations’ and conducted military drills and sorties breaching Taiwan’s maritime boundaries and air space.

Beijing’s actions have jeopardized peace in the region. The Chinese military’s increasingly unprovoked attacks on Indian armed forces have raised concerns. Japan and Australia are upgrading their military power to repel Chinese aggression.

Beijing’s cordial relations with Moscow are seen as a significant impediment to stopping the Ukraine War. China has done little to warn or dissuade its ally, North Korea, from diligently pursuing nuclear missile technology.

On the economic front, the U.S. views China as a competitor. Its role and position in international trade matters cannot be ignored. But, its blotched human rights record, opacity, and rigid state control are matters of grave concern.

Americans’ views on China may impact U.S. foreign policy and consumption of Made-in-China goods. Reports of Beijing’s secret police stations and the Defense Department’s report naming Beijing as the Number One threat are likely to erode favorable view of the country further.

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