China a ‘best friend in Asia’ to more Australians but trust still ‘low’, as India also a concern: survey

Threat perceptions remain ‘high’, with the public divided on whether to prioritise maintaining stability or deterring Beijing, the Lowy Institute poll shows

Most Australians also view India’s human rights record as a top bilateral priority despite engagement in security dialogues such as Quad

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A Chinese flag flies at the embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Canberra, Australia. Photo: Getty Images

Published: 4:30pm, 3 Jun 2024Updated: 4:45pm, 5 Jun 2024

More Australians see China as a “best friend in Asia” this year, but trust remains “low” despite improving bilateral relations, according to a new poll by the Lowy Institute think tank, with results also indicating concerns with India’s human rights record.

Japan topped the “best friend in Asia” rankings within the poll for the third year in a row, with 42 per cent surveyed choosing Japan over Singapore and Indonesia, which were in second and third position respectively.

While Japan, Singapore and Indonesia’s placings were unchanged from last year, the number of Australians viewing China favourably as an Asian best friend rose 4 percentage points to 11 per cent of those surveyed. Just over 2,000 Australians were surveyed for the poll in March.

The result improved on the record low of 6 per cent two years ago, but was markedly worse than in 2016, when 30 per cent felt China was a better “best friend” in Asia than Japan.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Australian counterpart Penny Wong shake hands at a meeting in Parliament House in Canberra in March. Photo: AAP/dpa

“Australians’ views on security, defence and alliances remain complex,” said Ryan Neelam, Director of the Lowy Institute’s Public Opinion and Foreign Policy Program.

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