American public opinion towards China is experiencing a notable shift, with favorability rising from 14% in 2023 to 27% in early 2026, according to surveys by the Pew Research Center and Gallup. This change is largely attributed to a more pragmatic approach taken by President Donald Trump, who has shifted his focus from ideological confrontations to trade deals and cooperation. In his second term, Trump has refrained from criticizing China's political system and has emphasized securing large-scale purchases of American goods. Notably, positive views among Democrats have increased by 8 points over the past year, while Republican sentiment remains largely critical. Despite this softening of attitudes, 61% of Americans still view China unfavorably, indicating that while perceptions are changing, a significant portion of the population continues to see China as a competitor. This trend is also influenced by China's efforts to position itself as a stable global power amid ongoing trade tensions with the U.S., leading to a shift in views even among strategic partners like Canada and Germany. As Trump prepares for a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the evolving sentiment reflects a recalibration of American views in light of a more isolationist U.S. foreign policy.