Most Canadians see China as ‘threat’ or ‘enemy’: survey
Few Canadians are willing to question Beijing’s interests when it comes to bilateral relations with Ottawa, according to a new poll conducted by the Angus Reid Institute.
According to the survey, 40% said the federal government should approach the Chinese government as a threat to its interests while 22% said they believe Beijing is an “enemy”. In contrast, 12% of Canadians surveyed said they were sympathetic to China.
Canadians’ worldview may have been influenced by recent developments in Canada-China relations, with allegations that the Chinese government interfered in Canada’s two most recent elections.
Canadians also share a negative view of Russia. Data shows that up to 72% of Canadians believe Russia should be seen as a threat or enemy following the invasion of Ukraine.
When it comes to the United States, three-fifths (58 percent) of Canadians say they have a positive impression of the country, the second time since 2016 the country’s favoritism has been so high.
Two-fifths (39 percent) have a more negative assessment of the United States while the majority (73 percent) of Canadians believe the United States should be viewed as at least a friend (25 percent) if not one. a valuable ally (48 percent).
The survey also found that three-fifths of former Conservative voters viewed China as very disadvantageous. The percentage is 47% for former Liberal voters, 37% for NDP voters, and 36% for Bloc Quebecois voters.
However, most Canadians (62%) said they sympathize with Taiwan as the territory continues to be a source of political tension for China.
METHOD
The Angus Reid Institute conducted this online survey February 23-25 involving a random sample of 1,622 Canadian adults who are members of the Angus Reid Forum. The margin of error is +/- 2 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
Reporting for this story was paid for through the Meta-sponsored Afghan Journalists in Residence Project.