In Latin America poll, China grows in appeal though US remains preferred ally

Public attitudes toward China in parts of Latin America have become more positive compared to recent years, even though many in the region continue to view the United States as a more important economic partner, according to a new survey by the Pew Research Centre.

The survey, conducted from January 8 to April 26, involved face-to-face interviews with 3,833 adults aged 18 and older in Mexico (1,243 respondents), Brazil (1,298) and Argentina (1,292). It is part of a broader study that covers 25 countries and examines views on China’s influence, leadership and global role, as well as attitudes toward the US.

Thus, the field research in all three countries was begun before US President Donald Trump returned to power on January 20, but ran past his announcement of far-reaching global “reciprocal” tariffs on April 2.

Favourable views of China are the majority in the region. In Mexico, the share of respondents with a positive opinion of China was 56 per cent. In Brazil, it is 51 per cent and in Argentina, 42.

That regional rise in favourability sets Latin America apart from many wealthier nations, where views of China remain overwhelmingly negative.

Across the 25-country survey, the global median share expressing a positive view of China is just 36 per cent. In high-income democracies, sentiment is particularly low – only 13 per cent of adults in Japan, 30 per cent in France and 32 per cent in Britain view China favourably.

South China Morning Post