SYDNEY: The latest annual poll assessing Australians’ views on foreign relations has revealed a decline in trust towards the United States, despite the majority still considering the US alliance crucial for security.
According to the survey, conducted by the Lowy Institute, 83 percent of respondents view the US alliance as important for security, with 63 percent believing it makes Australia safer from potential attacks or pressure from China.
Cyberattacks from foreign nations were revealed as the top concern among Australians, with 70 percent expressing apprehension about this threat.
Australia has been augmenting its military cooperation with its alliance partner, the United States, particularly in light of growing concerns over the risk of conflict in the Indo-Pacific region, exemplified by the recently announced AUKUS nuclear submarine deal.
Despite the dip in trust towards the United States, Australians continue to hold Japan in high regard, with 87 percent expressing trust in the country. Meanwhile, trust in China’s responsible global conduct plummeted to 17 percent, a stark decline from 52 percent six years ago.
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Lowy Institute’s executive director, Michael Fullilove, highlighted the findings, stating that Australians are increasingly distrustful of China and apprehensive about the risk of regional conflict. However, he noted a consistent belief among Australians in the importance of the US alliance for their country’s security.
Of the 2000 people surveyed in March, 83 percent reiterated the significance of the US alliance for Australia’s security. Despite this, 75 percent also expressed concerns that the alliance could potentially draw Australia into a future conflict in Asia.
Looking ahead to the 2024 US presidential election, the majority of Australians (68 percent) expressed a preference for the re-election of Joe Biden, with only a third (29 percent) favoring a return of former President Donald Trump.
