China a ‘best friend in Asia’ to more Australians but trust still ‘low’, as India also a concern: survey

More Australians see China as a “best friend in Asia” this year, but trust remains “low” despite improving bilateral relations, according to a new poll by the Lowy Institute think tank, with results also indicating concerns with India’s human rights record.

Japan topped the “best friend in Asia” rankings within the poll for the third year in a row, with 42 per cent surveyed choosing Japan over Singapore and Indonesia, which were in second and third position respectively.

While Japan, Singapore and Indonesia’s placings were unchanged from last year, the number of Australians viewing China favourably as an Asian best friend rose 4 percentage points to 11 per cent of those surveyed. Just over 2,000 Australians were surveyed for the poll in March.

The result improved on the record low of 6 per cent two years ago, but was markedly worse than in 2016, when 30 per cent felt China was a better “best friend” in Asia than Japan.

“Australians’ views on security, defence and alliances remain complex,” said Ryan Neelam, Director of the Lowy Institute’s Public Opinion and Foreign Policy Program.

“Many Australians remain wary towards China, despite re-engagement at the political level. Overall, trust in China remains low, and threat perceptions remain high. The public is roughly divided on whether Australia should prioritise maintaining stability or deterring China.”

In contrast, fewer Australians see India as a best friend in Asia. The proportion of Australians who voted for India fell to 10 per cent from 16 per cent last year, coming below China.

While India engaged with Australia in security dialogues such as the Quad and both countries had promised to increase trade, local media and international human rights groups had documented