Majority of Europeans prefer maintaining current distance between US and China, reveals poll

New survey results indicate that a significant portion of Europeans favor maintaining a balanced approach toward the United States and China, rather than siding with either power. According to the Eurobazooka survey, published by the French magazine Le Grand Continent, only 4% of respondents would prioritize alignment with China, while 55% prefer to keep an equal distance between the two nations.

About 20% of participants across nine European Union countries said they would choose to align with the US over China. Spain recorded the highest pro-US sentiment at 25%, a figure that may surprise some given the countrys recent efforts to strengthen ties with Beijing.

The survey results come at a time when Europe is carefully weighing its position between the two global powers. Since the beginning of 2025, under the leadership of US President Donald Trump, transatlantic relations have faced strains. The US has imposed tariffs on the EU and pressured Brussels to adjust regulations to favor American businesses, while reducing military support for Ukraine, prompting concerns over Europe's long-standing security arrangements.

However, relations with China have not markedly improved. Beijings perceived support for Moscow during the Ukraine conflict, along with ongoing trade disputes, has led EU officials to view the relationship with China as particularly tense. Despite efforts to coordinate US-China policy with Washington, the survey indicates that such alignment would be unpopular among Europeans.

Previous research from Berlins Koerber Stiftung showed that only 31% of Germans viewed the US as a partner in handling China, down from 49% the previous year. The Eurobazooka findings suggest that Europeans cautious stance is motivated more by mistrust of Trumps America than by favoring China.

China is widely seen as Europes primary technological competitor, with 44% of respondents identifying it as the main threat, compared to 9% for the US. Another 37% consider both countries equally threatening. Regarding Trump, 48% labeled him a "foe of Europe," while only 10% saw him as a friend. Poland stood out as an exception, with 24% viewing Trump as an ally and 19% as an adversary.

The survey covered nine EU nations: Croatia, the Netherlands, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Poland, Portugal, and Belgium. Trump remains particularly unpopular in Belgium, where only 7% see him as friendly, against 62% who consider him an enemy.

Despite concerns, 48% of respondents supported their governments seeking compromise with Trump, whereas 33% favored opposition. Reflecting broader political discontent in Europe, nearly half (47%) preferred a radical transformation of political institutions over maintaining stability.

Close to 10,000 people participated in the survey conducted in November, offering a comprehensive snapshot of European public opinion regarding the US, China, and their own political priorities.

Author: Noah Whitman