On June 9, 2026, the Chinese-language website of French international broadcaster RFI (Radio France Internationale) reported that a public opinion poll revealed that New Zealanders view the US as a greater threat than China for the first time in a decade.

The article stated that in a public opinion poll conducted by the Asia New Zealand Foundation targeting 2,300 New Zealanders in January-February of this year, 35% of respondents identified the US as a threat, while only 23% viewed China as a threat, and 43% considered China a friend. It reported that a reversal of public sentiment occurred over the past year.

Additionally, the survey highlighted that 81% of respondents recognized the development of relations with Asia as very important, emphasizing the prevalent belief that their country's prosperity, resilience, and security depend on the depth and quality of its relationships with Asian nations.

The article pointed out that while the New Zealand government views the US as a pillar of its security, US tariffs are harming New Zealand exporters. It suggested that economic damages, such as rising oil prices due to the Middle East conflict, are factors exacerbating public sentiment towards the US.

Furthermore, Professor David Capie of Victoria University of Wellington analyzed that "New Zealanders primarily perceive security from an economic perspective, and trade disruptions influence their judgment," and stated that this rapid deterioration of anti-US sentiment is not unique to New Zealand, but similar trends are observed in other Western democracies.

Moreover, a public opinion poll published last December by the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney showed that in Japan, Australia, and India, a majority of citizens responded that "a second term for President Trump would have a negative impact on their respective countries." (Edited/Translated by Kawajiri)