Research: U.S. youth more favorable & objective on China than parents
But will this last?
Today’s newsletter dives into young voices on China-U.S. relations. As the bilateral ties have hit historic lows over the past decade, and with Trump poised for a second term in 2025, non-official exchanges (Track I.5 & Track II diplomacy) have taken on an outsized significance — misjudgments between the two largest powers are not something the world can afford.
And, amid what many China watchers may overlook, Beijing’s narrative warrants a closer revisit:
Two years ago, at the Bali summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping noted:
中国从来不寻求改变现有国际秩序，不干涉美国内政，无意挑战和取代美国。
China does not seek to change the existing international order or interfere in the internal affairs of the United States, and has no intention to challenge or displace the United States.
Last year, Xi also said on many occasions that:
中美关系希望在人民，基础在民间，未来在青年，活力在地方
The hope of the China-U.S. relationship lies in the people, its foundation is in our societies, its future depends on the youth, and its vitality comes from exchanges at subnational levels.
How do nations on either side of the Pacific truly see each other? Let’s begin by exploring young Americans’s view on China, through the research of Chinese scholars.
Today’s piece, titled “U.S. Youth Political Views and Perceptions of China美国年轻一代的政治观点与对华认知” was originally published this July in the Chinese version of the journal Contemporary China and World《当代中国与世界》.
The Journal Contemporary China and World was launched in 2021 by the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies (ACCWS), a national think-tank dedicated to advancing international exchanges and cooperation under China International Communications Group. Established in 2004, it was formerly known as the Center for International Communication Studies and renamed ACCWS in 2017. ACCWS provides over 20 research products for Chinese government and enterprises and also compiles professional book series and publishes three in-depth periodicals: International Communications, Chinese Translators Journal, and Contemporary China and World.
The article is authored by Wang Dong 王栋 and Lou Yu’ang 娄宇昂. Wang Dong is Full Professor with Tenure at School of International Studies, Peking University. He also serves as the Executive Director of the Institute for Global Cooperation and understanding (iGCU) at Peking University. Lou is a Master candidate in international politics at the University of International Relations.
Wang Dong, photo courtesy of Peking University
In their research, Wang and Lou concluded that younger Americans tend to view China more favorably and recognize its strengths objectively. As this generation becomes the majority of voters and policymakers, China-U.S. relations could improve. However, their perceptions remain fluid and subject to change.
Below is my translation of the full article and all the words in bold are added by authors.
美国年轻一代的政治观点与对华认知
U.S. Youth Political Views and Perceptions of China
[Abstract] Generational politics offers a vital lens for understanding American politics. Since the 20th century, significant differences in political views have emerged among various generations of Americans. Younger Americans - namely Millennials, Generation Z, and Generation Alpha - have experienced notable shifts in political perspectives and perceptions of China compared to middle-aged and older generations. On political issues, younger generations place greater emphasis on liberal topics. Politically, they tend to favor the Democratic Party. Their enthusiasm for political engagement is evident, with young voters playing an active role in elections. Furthermore, some have already begun to make their mark by entering Congress and government positions. In China-U.S. relations, young Americans are a positive and transformative force. They are generally more favorable toward China, maintain an objective understanding of China’s strengths, and are more inclined to engage in China-U.S. exchanges. Additionally, they approach China-U.S. relations with a comparatively objective, comprehensive, and fair mindset. As this generation grows to become the majority of voters and assumes decision-making roles in China policy, there is potential for a positive shift in China-U.S. relations. That said, the attitudes of young Americans are not set in stone and their perceptions of China remain fluid.
[Keywords] Generational Politics; Young Americans; China-US Relations; Perceptions of China
Generational politics is an essential perspective for understanding the United States, as there are significant differences in values and political stances among Americans of different generations. The current U.S. population can be categorized into six generational cohorts: the "Silent Generation" (1928–1945), "Baby Boomers" (1946–1964), "Generation X" (1965–1980), "Millennials" (1981–1995), and "Generation Z" (1996–2009). As those born after 2010, typically referred to as "Generation Alpha," are still minors, they cannot yet directly influence U.S. political affairs. The term "younger generations" is relative and fluid, but it generally encompasses "Millennials," "Generation Z," and "Generation Alpha" now. For senior officials in high-ranking positions, this definition may extend to include "Generation X."
The younger generation in the United States has experienced significant changes in its demographic composition. This generation reflects notable shifts in racial diversity and geographic distribution, with a growing proportion consisting of immigrants or second-generation Americans. Their perspectives have also evolved: today’s young Americans are at the forefront of advocating for liberal causes such as equality and identity politics, abortion rights, gun control, and climate change. They are leading voices on emerging issues and potential catalysts for systemic change in the U.S. This generation also presents new opportunities for China-U.S. relations, since they tend to view China and China-U.S. relations through a lens that is relatively more objective, comprehensive, and fair. Generally, young Americans demonstrate a friendlier attitude toward China, possess a deeper understanding of China’s strengths, and show greater willingness to foster engagement between the two nations. However, their perceptions may be subject to shifts over time, making this an issue worthy of continued attention.
I. Demographic Shifts Among Generations in the U.S.
Shifts in the U.S. demographic structure are reshaping the composition of the electorate. Americans born after 1981 now form the majority, and the increasing population of younger generations has amplified their electoral influence, surpassing that of older generations. By 2019, the combined population of Millennials, Generation Z, and younger cohorts reached 166 million, exceeding the total of all other age groups.
Shifts in the U.S. demographic structure and the resulting changes in the electorate had a significant impact on the 2020 presidential election. For many Generation Z voters, it was their first opportunity to participate in a national election. In 2020, nearly 10% of U.S. voters were members of Generation Z, up from just 4% in 2016.
Currently, demographic trends within the younger generations in the U.S. reflect three characteristics: first, the proportion of racial and ethnic minorities among young Americans is growing; second, the geographic distribution of young Americans varies widely across states; and third, the share of young immigrants within the U.S. population is increasing.
First, the younger generation in the U.S. is becoming increasingly diverse. Objectively, minority groups tend to have higher birth rates than non-Hispanic and non-Latino whites, resulting in a higher proportion of young people within minority populations. Americans born after 1981 are more racially diverse than the earlier generations, with the number of minorities nearly equal to that of whites. Among minorities, the Hispanic and Latino populations have seen rapid growth, accounting for 19.1% of the total U.S. population in 2022. If this trend continues, the traditional white majority in the U.S. is likely to shift by the mid-21st century. This diversity is especially pronounced in the younger generation. Within Generation Z, minorities make up a significant portion, while non-Hispanic, non-Latino whites account for only 51.4% of this group. Such increasing racial and ethnic diversity has prompted younger Americans to question the mainstream political and cultural traditions historically dominated by white Americans.
Second, the geographic distribution of the younger generation has undergone significant changes. The proportion of young people varies greatly across states. According to 2024 demographic data, "aging states" like Maine have an average age of 44.8 years, while New Hampshire stands at 43 years. In contrast, "younger states" such as Utah have an average age of 31.2 years, Texas 35.1 years, and California 37 years. States with better educational opportunities and employment prospects attract young interstate migrants, leading to a younger population profile. These states with younger demographic structures are likely to play an increasingly influential role in future political developments.
Finally, immigration has become a key driver of population growth in the U.S. With natural birth rates declining, fertility rates among women aged 20–24 dropped nearly 43% between 1990 and 2019, and the demand for immigrants continues to grow. Young immigrants have significantly reshaped the patterns of U.S. population growth. The U.S. government often prioritizes granting formal citizenship to young immigrants, as they directly address the nation’s labor force needs. Additionally, first-generation immigrants who obtain citizenship tend to have higher fertility rates, influenced by various economic and social factors. By 2022, approximately 17.6 million children under the age of 18 in the U.S. were living with at least one immigrant parent. Moreover, 50% of Americans aged 18-29 believe that immigration has transformed the country’s culture. Immigrants and their descendants are more inclined toward liberal ideologies and tend to favor the Democratic Party in their political affiliations.
Amid significant generational shifts in the U.S. population, Americans' political views and perceptions of China are also evolving. These shifts are reflected in various ways: ordinary voters voice their interests and priorities through the ballot box, while younger political figures are already engaging in politics.
II. Political Tendencies in Generational Shifts Among the U.S. Population
Each generation of young Americans faces unique defining characteristics and key challenges, shaping distinct political tendencies. Today’s young Americans are particularly focused on liberal issues such as identity politics, gun control, abortion rights, and climate governance. They are also deeply concerned with emerging topics like digital governance and student debt. Meanwhile, their trust in the U.S. government and political system continues to decline, fueling a growing demand for comprehensive and systemic reforms.
A. Partisan Preferences of Younger Generation in the U.S.
In terms of political tendencies, America’s younger generation leans toward the liberalism advocated by the Democratic Party rather than the conservatism championed by the Republican Party, making them more likely to support Democratic candidates in elections. In the 2020 presidential election, younger voters backed Biden, with 60% of voters aged 18-29 casting their ballots for him. This demographic proved to be a critical voting bloc in Biden’s victory over Trump. Similarly, in the 2022 midterm elections, 68% of voters aged 18-29 favored Democratic congressional candidates. The relationship between young voters and the Democratic Party is reciprocal. As the proportion of young voters within the Democratic base continues to grow, the party has, since 2020, more resolutely advanced a progressive political agenda to solidify support among this key demographic.
The partisan tendencies driven by generational demographic changes in the United States are likely to endure over the long term. First, the composition of the electorate has shifted, with increasing racial diversity among new generations of voters becoming more pronounced. The growing share of Asian, Hispanic, and African American voters, traditionally strong supporters of the Democratic Party, has challenged the historical dominance of white voters. Second, within the white voter demographic, the number of young, college-educated individuals has risen significantly. Given the liberal-leaning environment of most American universities, this group tends to align more closely with the Democratic Party. Finally, as the Democratic Party adopts a more pro-immigration stance compared to the Republican Party, which often relies on anti-immigration rhetoric to garner support, it is foreseeable that newly naturalized immigrant groups and their descendants will develop a stronger affinity for the Democratic Party.
From the perspective of generational demographic changes, the Republican Party's political advantage lies in the present, while the Democratic Party's advantage lies in the future. In March 2023, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu, a Republican, warned his party: “…if Republicans don't understand the generational gap that we have right now, ‘28, ‘30, ‘32 and 2036 are going to be disastrous for the Republican party.” While conservative policies address some immediate issues, enabling Trump and other Republican politicians to maintain a degree of electoral success, this advantage is unsustainable in the long term. Younger American voters increasingly align with liberal ideologies, and the Republican Party’s conservative policies fail to resonate with this demographic. Data further highlights this trend: young Americans raised in conservative households do not consistently identify as Republicans, whereas a significantly higher percentage of those raised in liberal households identify as Democrats.
B. How the Younger Generation is Reshaping U.S. Political Agenda
a. Increased emphasis on liberal agendas
The younger generation in the United States actively supports issues championed by the Democratic Party, showing little interest in those promoted by the Republican Party.
On identity politics, young Americans place significant emphasis on racial and gender equality. Unlike the current liberal notion of "political correctness," racial equality has become a deeply personal issue for this generation. They seek tangible changes to combat systemic racism. Their attitudes toward gender are also more inclusive, with a higher proportion of young people embracing gender diversity and supporting the rights of LGBTQ+ communities. This heightened focus on identity politics stems from the growing inequality in American society and the increasingly diverse makeup of the younger generation. The murder of George Floyd in 2020 further galvanized this generation’s frustration. Many young Americans actively participated in the Black Lives Matter protests, and their anger was reflected in the 2020 presidential election, where they used their votes to voice discontent with Trump’s administration.
On the issue of gun control, the younger generation in the U.S. supports stricter regulations. A research conducted by American University found that 74% of U.S. youth agree that gun violence is a problem.
They advocate for measures such as more rigorous background checks to prevent individuals with mental health issues from acquiring firearms, raising the minimum age for gun purchases to reduce gun ownership among teenagers, strengthening gun registration and safety training, and imposing stricter oversight on gun owners. In the aftermath of school shootings, young Americans consistently stand out as the most vocal advocates for change. Following the February 2018 Parkland school shooting in Florida, the youth-led "March For Our Lives" movement emerged, protesting the nation’s lax gun control policies. More than 200,000 young Americans participated in the march in Washington, D.C.
On the issue of abortion rights, the younger generation in the U.S. strongly supports a woman’s right to access abortion freely. In regions with strong religious influence, opposition to abortion is more common, with Catholics and Protestants generally holding anti-abortion views, and Evangelicals adopting the most hardline stance. However, the younger generation has grown up in a more secularized environment, where a liberal and open upbringing leads them to view the issue from a predominantly secular perspective. The vast majority of Americans aged 18-29 believe abortion should be legal, considering it a fundamental civil right that should not be unduly restricted. Following the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade, young Americans were among the most vocal opponents, with 69% of those aged 18-29 opposing the decision.
On the issue of climate governance, the younger generation in the U.S. is acutely aware of the climate crisis. They are deeply dissatisfied with the current state of climate change and the perceived inaction of older generations. Many actively participate in environmental organizations and frequently join protests to voice their concerns. Data from 2022 indicates that only 11% of Americans aged 18-29 are entirely indifferent to climate change. A candidate’s stance on climate governance has become a critical factor in whether young voters choose to support them. Young Americans trust Democrats to address climate change, with only a small minority favoring the Republican Party’s laissez-faire approach to the issue.
b. Setting new agendas
The younger generation in the U.S. is advocating for stronger regulation of the digital landscape. As generational shifts occur, Americans are spending more time online, with increasingly diverse methods of accessing the internet. As “digital natives,” this generation has grown up reaping the benefits of the Third Industrial Revolution. In today’s digital era, young Americans consider online life an integral part of their daily routines and place significant importance on digital privacy. While digital technology serves as a driving force for emerging industries, young people are frustrated with the unchecked collection of personal data by U.S. tech giants. Many feel powerless to protect their privacy. Consequently, they are calling on the government to implement stricter regulations to safeguard personal data.
The younger generation in the U.S. is urging the government to implement student debt relief. As the most highly educated generation in American history, they also face widespread student debt burdens. The cost of higher education in the U.S. has consistently risen, leaving many young Americans saddled with significant financial obligations. This generation is advocating for reform, expressing little confidence in corporations or individuals to resolve the issue. Instead, they look to the government to take direct action to reduce the cost of higher education through measures such as increasing scholarships and reducing or eliminating tuition fees. A 2022 Harvard survey found that 85% of Americans aged 18-29 favor some form of government action on student loan debt.
c. Driving comprehensive political reform in the U.S.
The younger generation in the U.S. is dissatisfied with mere "patchwork fixes" in politics; they are calling for comprehensive reform of the government and political system. Domestically, young Americans exhibit deep distrust toward both political leaders and institutions. Polls show that Americans aged 18-29 have experienced a significant decline in trust across key institutions, including the presidency, Supreme Court, Congress, media, Wall Street, and the military. This decline is especially pronounced for the presidency, Supreme Court, and Congress. Trust in the presidency has dropped by 60%, while trust in the Supreme Court and Congress has fallen by 55% and 34%, respectively.
Young Americans increasingly feel disconnected from political leaders and are calling for more political reforms. In the legislative sphere, they widely support implementing age and term limits for members of Congress to prevent long-term dominance by elderly lawmakers and to curb nepotism. A 2022 poll found that 70% of Americans aged 18-29 believe they are underrepresented in Congress. In the executive sphere, many young Americans advocate reforming the Electoral College system to ensure that candidates who win the popular vote are elected. While Electoral College reform has broad support across U.S. society, younger generations are particularly vocal in their desire for change. Young Americans also favor judicial reform. According to a 2023 Pew Research Center poll, 58% of adults under 30 favor increasing the number of justices on the Supreme Court.
C. High Political Engagement of Young Americans
The political engagement of the younger generation in the U.S. is surging, earning them the title of the most “unsilent generation” in modern America. Frustrated with the current state of the U.S. political system, they are fueled by a deep passion for driving meaningful change.
In the 2020 U.S. presidential election, 50% of Americans aged 18-29 voted, reflecting an 11% increase in youth voter turnout compared to 2016. Young voters tend to prioritize domestic issues over foreign policy, focusing their political energy on advocating for social reforms within the U.S. rather than influencing international affairs. John Della Volpe, author of Fight: How Gen Z Is Channeling Their Fear and Passion to Save America, observed, "Every major political battle in America has Gen Z in the middle of it. This generation has a fire and urgency unlike any I’ve seen in 20 years, and they expect their elected officials and candidates to show the same."
In terms of political influence in Congress, although Baby Boomers remain the dominant group, the number of legislators born after 1981 has been rapidly increasing in recent years, now exceeding 30 members. Following the 2022 midterm elections, Maxwell Alejandro Frost, born in 1997, became the first Generation Z member of the U.S. Congress. Currently, the youngest member is Jonathan Ossoff, born in 1987, who was elected to the Senate at the age of 35. Young legislators are emerging in Congress. In the 118th Congress, there are 53 members born in the 1980s, accounting for nearly 10% of the total. According to the U.S. Constitution, the minimum age for running for the House of Representatives is 25, while for the Senate, it is 30. Due to these age requirements, most younger legislators are concentrated in the House, with fewer in the Senate. Some young lawmakers have gained unexpected promotions by closely aligning themselves with their party leadership. For instance, Elise Stefanik, born in 1984, rose quickly within the House Republican leadership by actively supporting Trump, securing a place in the Republican Party’s core decision-making circle. After the 2024 congressional elections, the trend toward a younger Congress in both the House and Senate is expected to become even more pronounced.
In terms of political influence at the White House, the Biden administration has appointed a significant number of young individuals to key positions in both domestic and foreign policy decision-making roles. For instance, Biden nominated Lina Khan, born in 1989, to serve as the chair of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the United States' leading antitrust regulatory body, which wields significant influence over large corporations and Wall Street. Regarding China policy, Biden appointed Rush Doshi, a China expert born in the 1980s, as the deputy senior director for China Affairs on the National Security Council. Julia Gewirtz, also born in 1989, previously held the position of Director for China Affairs at the National Security Council before being transferred to the U.S. State Department to manage China-related issues.
III. Perceptions of China Amid U.S. Generational Demographic Shifts
As the Chinese Presiden Xi Jinping noted, “the hope of the China-U.S. relationship lies in the people, its foundation is in our societies, its future depends on the youth, and its vitality comes from exchanges at subnational levels.” The younger generation in the U.S. holds a more favorable perception of China, displaying a friendlier attitude, a more objective understanding of China’s strengths, and a greater willingness to engage in China-U.S. interactions. With generational shifts in the U.S. population, young people are poised to take on a more significant role in shaping the country’s China policy, fostering a brighter future for China-U.S. relations.
A. Generational Differences in Perceptions of China
a. Younger Americans hold more positive views of China
When it comes to overall perceptions of China, younger Americans display a markedly more positive and friendly attitude compared to older generations. According to a 2023 Pew Research Center poll, the percentage of Americans aged 18-29 with negative views of China is 11% lower than the national average. Similarly, a 2023 report by The Economist reveals that Americans under 45 are significantly less likely to view China as a rival than those aged 45 and above - a difference of twofold. From a longitudinal perspective, younger Americans are likely to maintain a more amicable stance toward China.
A new generation of political elites has emerged in large numbers, signaling a generational shift in the upper echelons of American politics. These young political elites exhibit a warmer attitude toward China and recognize the value of China-U.S. cooperation. Leaders like California Governor Gavin Newsom and San Francisco Mayor London Breed have made numerous statements advocating for stronger China-U.S. relations, encouraging collaboration, and welcoming Chinese investment in the United States. Gavin Newsom, in particular, represents the pragmatic wing of the Democratic Party. He has actively promoted climate cooperation between the U.S. and China and, during his October 2023 visit to China, even test-drove a BYD electric vehicle. Newsom is also considered a leading contender for the 2028 presidential election.
b. Younger Americans may recognize China's position more objectively
Younger Americans have a clearer understanding of China's objective status and do not have a sense of "superiority" over China. In contrast, older generations lack the same level of rational understanding of China’s capabilities. Having lived through the post-Cold War era and experienced America’s “Unipolar Moment,” many middle-aged and older Americans remain overly confident in the United States’ comprehensive national power. This overconfidence often leads them to view China as a cultural "Other" and resist acknowledging its current objective strengths. The historical perspective of younger Americans is different. They have witnessed China’s development firsthand. While young Americans maintain strong confidence in their own country, they also recognize that China is more powerful than most developed nations.
Young Americans are more open to view China's development from a fresh perspective, recognizing its strength in both economic and technological domains. A growing number of young Americans believe the economic gap between the U.S. and China is minimal; in fact, 43% of Millennials perceive China as the stronger economic power. From Huawei and its 5G technology to TikTok and, more recently, electric vehicles, technology-related topics involving China have consistently been a focal point of attention and discussion among young Americans. TikTok, in particular, has seen a remarkable rise in usage among younger demographics in the U.S. Data from 2024 shows that 62% of Americans aged 18-29 have used TikTok, compared to 39% of those aged 30-39. TikTok has become deeply embedded in the daily lives of young Americans, many of whom are deeply dissatisfied with the bans enacted by the U.S. Congress and federal government.
c. Younger Americans show greater interest in China-U.S. exchanges
Young Americans hold a more positive attitude toward cooperation between the U.S. and China in scientific research and education. Such exchanges foster accurate perceptions among the younger generation in the U.S. While these perceptions may not immediately translate into American laws or policies, they play a crucial role in shaping the future of China-U.S. relations.
Chinese students account for one-third of the international students in the U.S., and many top American universities have joint programs with Chinese institutions. Additionally, the U.S. was once the second-largest source of international students in China. Younger Americans are increasingly open-minded about people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. For instance, Baby Boomers in the U.S. often favor restricting the number of Chinese students, while Generation X shows no clear stance on the issue. In contrast, Millennials are more opposed to limiting the number of Chinese students, a trend that is expected to grow stronger over time. U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns has also acknowledged the importance of ensuring that the next generation of Americans understands China and speaks Mandarin. Without this, he warns, the U.S. will face consequences in the next 20 to 30 years. The U.S. needs more young people to develop an understanding of China and must actively recruit experts on China.
People-to-people exchanges between the U.S. and China have provided opportunities for young American experts on China to deepen their understanding of the country, familiarize themselves with its culture, and achieve proficiency in Mandarin. For example, Rush Doshi conducted research at Yunnan University through the Fulbright Scholar Program. While Julian Gewirtz did not study in China, he gained valuable experience as an intern at Alibaba’s Hong Kong office and Caijing magazine. Similarly, Melanie Hart, who also interned at Caijing, studied Mandarin at the China Foreign Affairs University and now serves as the China Policy Coordinator for Jose Fernandez, the U.S. Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment. These China-U.S. exchanges have also left a lasting impact on high-level U.S. officials. Katherine Tai, the U.S. Trade Representative in the Biden administration, taught at Sun Yat-sen University in China as a Yale-China Association fellow from 1996 to 1998. Similarly, Timothy Geithner, who served as Treasury Secretary under the Obama administration, studied Mandarin at Peking University for eight weeks in 1981. He was part of the second group of American exchange students to visit China after the establishment of U.S. - China diplomatic relations and was then an undergraduate at Johns Hopkins University.
B. Characteristics of Perceptions of China
a. More objective
Young Americans have a more objective understanding of China’s strength. In contrast, older generations tend to hold ideological biases influenced by traditional Western media. The younger generation primarily accesses information about China through online platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook, remaining critical of content that smears or distorts China, including narratives promoted by U.S. politicians. Raised in the information age, young Americans possess a strong global perspective, enabling them to better understand and engage with international issues. While they often approach politics with skepticism, their trust in institutions like the United Nations has increased since 2015. The growing cultural diversity within this generation fosters a greater respect for cultural pluralism and the diversity of civilizations. They are generally critical of ideologies such as American exceptionalism and white supremacy, adopting a more questioning stance. Moreover, young Americans challenge traditional U.S. diplomatic approaches and narratives, and their mindset is evolving.
Drawing from their own experiences, young Americans understand that the root causes of governance issues in the U.S. lie with “Washington” and “Wall Street.” As a result, they are not easily influenced by rhetoric that smears or distorts China. The 2008 global financial crisis led to significant wealth losses for middle-class families in the U.S., followed by the "Occupy Wall Street" movement, which left a profound psychological impact on the younger generation. Throughout their formative years, young Americans have also endured the widespread prevalence of opioid abuse and gun violence, coupled with persistently high rates of depression and suicide among their peers. These experiences have shaped their awareness of systemic failures within the U.S. governance system, leading them to recognize that domestic issues are the key challenges affecting their well-being. Blaming China for America’s problems is not only misguided but also distracts from addressing the root causes of the country's governance failures.
b. Broader perspective
Young Americans hold a more open-minded perspective, supporting people-to-people exchanges with China. Born during an era of globalization, they have grown up in a time where peace and development, as well as international cooperation are the themes of the times. Unlike older generations of Americans who experienced the Cold War, they no longer view China solely through the lens of strategy and security. Instead, they consider broader issues such as global governance and climate change - so-called "low-politics" topics. They understand that China’s development represents the rise of a multifaceted power and recognize the need to move beyond narrow perspectives when evaluating China-U.S. relations.
Young Americans are not solely focused on China-U.S. competition but also their cooperation, acknowledging China’s ability to address their concerns and priorities. For instance, fentanyl, a significant health issue among young Americans, has seen meaningful progress through joint efforts by the two countries. China has enhanced its regulation of fentanyl precursor chemicals, disrupting the supply chain for drug cartels in the Americas. Climate change, another key concern for young Americans, underscores their recognition of China’s advancements in green energy technologies to combat the global climate crisis. As the priorities of young Americans shift, China’s actions increasingly align with their concerns. This alignment has led young Americans to place greater value on the importance of bilateral cooperation.
c. Fluctuating perceptions
The perception of China among the younger generation in the U.S. remains fluctuating. This is largely because their understanding of China is still in its formative stages, making them more susceptible to external influences. Most young Americans are either still in school or have recently graduated. While they have not been fully "assimilated" into the antagonistic attitudes toward China held by older political elites, their views on China remain highly malleable. The U.S. government often employs the "China threat" narrative to deflect attention from its own governance failures, and some young people have been influenced by this rhetoric. Additionally, events such as the China-U.S. trade disputes and the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic have fueled negative portrayals of China by American politicians and media. This has contributed to a decline in China’s image among young Americans.
When members of the younger generation of American elites enter government institutions and participate in policymaking, they tend to be more rational and inclusive in their approach to China. However, due to constraints imposed by the U.S. political system, their attitudes toward China can still shift toward a more hardline stance. The case of Julian Gewirtz provides a clear example of how the U.S. political system can influence the perspectives of young policymakers. In 2017, Gewirtz published an article in The Washington Post, openly stating that American Millennials do not trust anti-China propaganda from U.S. leadership or its hostile policies toward China. He attributed this skepticism to firsthand experiences of visiting China and engaging with its culture, which fostered positive impressions of the country. Yet, after Gewirtz joined the White House National Security Council to oversee China-related affairs, his rhetoric on China became increasingly hawkish. This phenomenon highlights the disconnect between the perceptions of young American politicians and those of the younger citizenry. In Congress, younger lawmakers, especially Republican members, often adopt hardline policies on China due to the influence of Trump and the hawkish attitudes of senior Republican leaders. For example, Elise Stefanik, chair of the House Republican Conference, introduced a bill in 2023 to ban Chinese students from studying in the United States. Similarly, Vivek Ramaswamy, a 2024 Republican presidential candidate born in 1985, has taken a notably aggressive stance on China. The reasons for these shifts are twofold: U.S. politicians frequently use China-related issues as tools to advance their political interests, moreover, the younger generation of political leaders has not yet fully developed a consistent or fixed perception of China.
The evolution of China-U.S. relations follows an objective trajectory, with adjustments unfolding over time. However, young Americans’ attitudes toward China remain prone to fluctuations. U.S. politicians frequently amplify the "China threat" narrative, shaping the still-developing perceptions of the younger generation. Moreover, the U.S. political system often assimilates young politicians, gradually steering their attitudes toward China in a more negative direction.
C. Summary
The younger generation in the U.S. now constitutes the majority of voters. However, Millennials and Generation Z politicians have yet to gain real decision-making power within the U.S. political system. Over time, these younger individuals - who tend to hold relatively friendly views toward China and are more interested in engaging with the country - will eventually enter the core of U.S. decision-making, potentially introducing a more objective, rational, and pragmatic approach to China-U.S. policy formulation. In the 2022 U.S. state legislature elections, 261 Generation Z candidates ran for office, with 73 achieving victory. Looking ahead, these Generation Z state legislators are poised to ascend to roles such as federal senators, governors, cabinet members, and even the presidency. The positive perceptions of China they cultivated in their youth could have a profound and positive influence on the future trajectory of China-U.S. relations.
Efforts should be focused on strengthening engagement with the younger generation in the U.S. to encourage a more objective and rational understanding of China. First, the relatively positive perception of China among young Americans presents a valuable opportunity to deepen bilateral exchanges. However, it is crucial to tailor the narrative to avoid triggering anxiety among young Americans about China’s economic and technological advancements. Second, it is important to distinguish between young American political figures and ordinary young citizens. While younger politicians in the U.S. political system often exhibit less favorable attitudes toward China, they do not reflect the broader views of their generation. Many young Americans harbor dissatisfaction with the U.S. political system, a factor that should be carefully considered. Despite the volatility introduced by the U.S. political climate, the overall trend among young Americans is one of greater openness and friendliness toward China. Finally, China-U.S. narratives should resonate with the priorities of young Americans. With their strong liberal inclinations, young Americans are deeply engaged in issues like climate change and digital-era international governance. Global governance has the potential to serve as a more robust foundation for bilateral relations. Strengthening dialogue and cooperation in this area can help secure greater support from the younger generation in the United States.
IV. Conclusion
Generational transitions not only signal a shift in the key issues shaping U.S. domestic politics but also have a profound influence on the trajectory of China-U.S. relations. The liberal inclinations of today’s American youth and their affinity for the Democratic Party represent a transformative force in U.S. politics. This generation is poised to inject fresh energy into the political landscape and redefine its core priorities. Their positive attitude toward China offers a significant opportunity for the future of China-U.S. relations.
Young Americans are better positioned to view China’s development more objectively, comprehensively, and fairly. This indicates that, moving forward, the U.S. may adopt a more comprehensive perspective on China’s role and pursue pragmatic cooperation. However, young Americans’ perceptions are still evolving and may shift over time. It is essential to tap into this window of opportunity by aligning the narrative of China-U.S. relations with the interests and concerns of the younger generation. Initiatives such as the Chinese leadership’s proposal to invite 50,000 American youth to visit and study in China over the next five years can play a key role in fostering stronger youth exchanges. Encouraging such programs will help cultivate a more objective and rational understanding of China among young Americans, providing a solid social foundation for the long-term stability and healthy development of China-U.S. relations. Enditem