- Trust in the US to act responsibly drops to 31%, the lowest in Lowy Institute polling history.
- More Australians now view the relationship with China as more important than ties with the US.
- The findings highlight a shift in public sentiment amid geopolitical tensions.
Australians' trust in the United States to act responsibly in world affairs has fallen to a record low, according to the latest Lowy Institute poll. Only 31% of respondents expressed trust, down from previous years, while skepticism toward China remains high but nuanced.
The poll reveals a striking shift: a majority of Australians now consider the relationship with China more important than the alliance with the US, reflecting a pragmatic view of economic ties despite security concerns. “This is a significant inflection point,” said a Lowy Institute researcher. “The public is weighing trade dependencies against strategic commitments.”
The findings come as Australia navigates a delicate balance between its longstanding US alliance and expanding economic engagement with China. Analysts note that the trust decline may influence public debate on defense spending and diplomatic posture, though policymakers are likely to maintain a cautious equilibrium.
Attempts to reach the US Embassy in Canberra for comment were unsuccessful.Correction: An earlier version misstated the trust figure as 29%. It is 31%.