Japanese citizens hold a significantly more favorable view of the United States’ role in Asia compared to their counterparts in Australia and India, according to a survey released by the United States Studies Center at the University of Sydney.
The poll, which surveyed roughly 1,000 adults in each of the four Quad nations—Japan, the U.S., Australia, and India—revealed stark regional differences in perceptions of American influence. About 37% of Indian respondents and 36% of Australian respondents characterized the U.S. as a largely damaging presence in the region.
In contrast, only 12% of Japanese participants shared that negative assessment. Furthermore, 42% of Japanese respondents viewed Washington as a beneficial influence, compared to 27% in India and 22% in Australia.
Public sentiment across all four democracies remained aligned regarding Beijing, with majorities or pluralities viewing China as a disruptive force due to its military expansion and rare earth export curbs. Japan led concerns with 57% viewing China as harmful, followed by Australia at 42%, India at 38%, and the U.S. at 35%.
Anxiety over potential conflict with China varied:
- India: 57% anticipated possible military conflict with China over the next decade.
- United States: 47% expected potential conflict.
- Australia: 38% foresaw conflict.
- Japan: 33% anticipated conflict.
Regarding defense guarantees, 68% of Australians and 60% of Japanese believed the U.S. would offer military assistance if China attacked their nations. Even in non-allied India, 54% expected American military backing.
Additionally, half of the respondents in Australia and India favored converting the Quad into a formal military alliance, a stance supported by 44% of respondents in both Japan and the U.S.