Most Asian Americans view China negatively, survey reveals
By Carl Samson
July 19, 2023
More than half of Asian Americans have an unfavorable view of China, according to a new Pew Research Center survey on how Asian Americans see their ancestral homelands.
Key Findings: The nationally representative survey was conducted from July 5, 2022, to Jan. 27, 2023. among 7,006 Asian American adults. It found that 52% have an unfavorable opinion on China — the largest percentage for a negative view among eight countries included in the survey. About 26% reported having neither a favorable or unfavorable view of China, while only 20% said they saw the country in a positive light.
Meanwhile, a majority of 78% expressed favorable views on the U.S.; 68% on Japan; 62% on South Korea and 56% on Taiwan. Opinions on the Philippines, Vietnam and India are more mixed, with majorities of respondents reporting neither a favorable or unfavorable view on each of them.
When it comes to origin groups’ opinions on their own ancestral homeland, the survey found that most respondents have positive views. However, China, again, is the exception, with less than half (41%) of Chinese Americans reporting a very or somewhat favorable opinion of the country.
The survey also found that Chinese Americans have more favorable views of other places in Asia — namely Japan, Taiwan and South Korea — than their homeland. Vietnamese Americans, additionally, see Japan more favorably than Vietnam.
On moving to their homelands: Aside from views on their ancestral homelands and other Asian countries, Pew also asked the respondents whether they would move to their ancestral homelands. It found that 72% would not move if given the chance.
Main reasons for moving also varied across origin groups: Most Chinese Americans said they would move to be closer to family and friends (27%), while most Indian Americans (52%), Filipino Americans (47%) and Vietnamese Americans (35%) would do so for the lower cost of living. Still, most Korean Americans (24%) said they would move for better health care.
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