The Change of Public Opinion on US-China Relations

Abstract

US-China relations recently have gone through ups and downs. I examine changes in public opinion that underpin the constrained relationship. In fact, public perceptions and media both in China and in the United States are increasingly critical of the relationship. Why has such a shift of opinion on the bilateral relationship occurred? What are the implications for policymaking of the change in public opinion? I seek to answer these questions by examining the way the issue of risnig China affects public views and the role of mass media in shaping public perceptions of US-China relations. My argument is that the change in public opinion presents a challenge to policy-makers in both countries, since they need to promote further co-operation and accommodation not only at the intergovernmental level but also at the public level.