One month into the new U.S. administration, a CGTN poll in collaboration with Renmin University of China and the Institute of International Communication in the New Era has revealed significant global concern over the direction of U.S. foreign policy.
The survey, which gathered responses from 7,586 people across 38 countries, highlights widespread dissatisfaction with actions such as withdrawing from international agreements, leaving key organizations, and sparking trade disputes.
'America First' Faces Strong Global Backlash
A staggering 63.7% of global respondents believe the administration's withdrawal from international organizations is harming global governance. Among U.S. allies, this concern rises to 66.7%.
Additionally, 63.3% agree that the \"America First\" agenda is accelerating the decline of the global economy, with 58.4% fearing that U.S. trade protectionism will hinder their own nations' economic growth.
When asked about trade measures that would negatively impact their countries, the top threats identified were:
- Restricting investment in foreign tech companies (58.3%)
- Raising tariffs on foreign goods (57.9%)
- Reducing reliance on foreign imports and supply chains (54.2%)
G7 Respondents Show Pessimism Toward U.S. Relations
The survey also highlights growing pessimism among respondents from G7 countries regarding future relations with the U.S. Specifically, 57% of respondents from the six G7 nations outside the U.S. are skeptical about their bilateral ties moving forward.
Germany and Canada lead with 66% expressing pessimism, followed by Japan (60%), the UK (59.3%), and France (57.5%).
Tariff policies remain the primary concern, with 71.4% of G7 respondents apprehensive about potential tariff measures, especially in Canada, Japan, and Germany.
Moreover, 64.3% criticized the administration's abrupt exits from international agreements, fearing disruptions to global governance and cooperation. 63.1% believe the U.S. focus on protecting American manufacturing and reducing reliance on foreign imports will negatively impact their economies, with 72% of respondents from Japan particularly concerned.
Respondents also worry that the administration's unilateral approach will hinder globalization (56.5%) and that trade protectionist policies will undermine trade liberalization and slow global economic growth (61.8%).
Low Domestic Confidence in U.S. Foreign Policy
The survey further reveals domestic skepticism within the U.S. regarding the new administration's foreign policy. Less than half of U.S. respondents believe the policies will positively affect relations with key international partners, including China, Europe, Japan, South Korea, and the Middle East.
While 51.5% anticipate improvements in U.S.-Russia relations, confidence in other bilateral ties is more mixed:
- U.S.-Middle East: 45% expect stronger relations
- U.S.-Europe: 44% foresee better relations
- U.S.-Japan/South Korea: 42% hope for improvement
However, U.S.-China relations stand out as the only exception, with 43% believing the new administration's policies will worsen relations, while only 40% see a positive impact.
Regarding the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea issues, U.S. respondents showed significant uncertainty. For the Taiwan Strait, 29.5% believed the administration would positively influence the issue, an equal percentage saw it as detrimental, and 41% were uncertain. In the South China Sea, 33% saw a positive impact, 29% viewed it negatively, and 38% were unsure.
The survey included respondents from both developed nations such as the U.S., UK, Italy, Australia, Germany, France, Japan, and South Korea, and from developing countries like Brazil, South Africa, Egypt, Malaysia, Chile, Nigeria, the UAE, and Vietnam.
Reference(s):
CGTN poll reveals broad criticism of Trump's first month in office
cgtn.com
