A recent survey conducted by the Asia New Zealand Foundation reveals a significant shift in how New Zealanders view global powers, marking the first time in ten years that the United States is perceived as a greater threat than China.
The foundation’s yearly study examining attitudes toward Asia and Asian populations, which has been running for 29 years, surveyed 2,300 individuals during January and February. The results showed 39% of participants considered the United States a friend to New Zealand, while 35% labeled it a threat. In contrast, 43% viewed China as friendly and only 23% saw it as threatening.
The data indicates a notable decline in favorable opinions toward America over the past year, while perceptions of China have become more positive.
The research also revealed that 81% of New Zealanders believe strengthening connections with Asia holds significant importance for their country.
“There is a growing recognition that prosperity, resilience and security will depend on the depth and quality of our relationships across Asia,” stated Asia New Zealand Foundation Chief Executive Suzannah Jessep in the report.
Despite this shifting public sentiment, New Zealand and America have expanded their collaboration in defense, security, and technology sectors recently. Wellington views Washington as essential for maintaining Indo-Pacific stability and serving as a balance against China’s expanding influence in the region.
However, New Zealand’s export businesses have suffered from American tariffs, and the nation’s economy has experienced strain from elevated oil costs connected to the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.
“New Zealanders also still understand their sense of security largely through an economic lens, and so tariffs and disruption to global trade weigh heavily on those calculations,” explained David Capie, professor of international relations at Victoria University of Wellington.
According to Capie, the declining American sentiment reflects a wider trend seen throughout Western liberal democracies.
Supporting this pattern, a University of Sydney survey published in December revealed that most Australians, Japanese, and Indians believe U.S. President Donald Trump’s second term has negatively impacted their nations.
