NATIONAL PULSE – Canadians say, treat China as a threat to our interests

By ANGUS REID INSTITUTE

March 10, 2023 – In the aftermath of a Chinese test of Canadian airspace, and, alleged attempts of interference in the last two Canadian elections, there are few in this country willing to give the Chinese government in Beijing the benefit of the doubt when in comes to bilateral relations.

This, according to new data from the non-profit Angus Reid Institute, which finds a majority of Canadians say their federal government should approach the Beijing regime either as a threat to its interests (40%) or, worse, an enemy (22%).

Among countries surveyed, only Russia generates a more hostile response. Three-quarters (72%) say that country should be viewed as a threat or enemy in the wake of its ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

It may be the case that the Russia-Ukraine war, alongside recent developments in the Canada-China relationship, have affected Canadians’ worldview as they assess the international arena.

Indeed, as Canadians appraisal of China remains at near record low – 12 per cent say they view the country favourably – positivity towards the United States has rebounded. Three-in-five (58%) Canadians have a positive impression of the U.S., only the second time since 2016 that country’s favourability has been that high. This is likely a feather in the cap of President Joe Biden, as he reportedly prepares for his first visit to Canada since a 2020 election victory.

And though two-in-five (39%) are more negative in their assessment of Canada’s southern neighbour, the vast majority (73%) of Canadians believe the U.S. should be viewed at least as a friend (25%) if not as a valued ally (48%).

More Key Findings:

• Three-in-five (60%) past CPC voters say they view China “very unfavourably.” Half (47%) of past Liberal voters, and approaching two-in-five past NDP (37%) and Bloc Québécois (36%) voters say the same.

• Three-in-five (62%) Canadians view Taiwan favourably, as the self-governing island continues to be a source of political tension for China.

Link to the poll here: www.angusreid.org/