China is a growing threat for Americans

Maybe Donald Trump was onto something. Among all the foreign-policy issues Americans face, one in particular seems to be rising in salience: China. According to a new Pew poll, US citizens are increasingly concerned about limiting the power and influence of Beijing as a long-term goal, with the percentage of Americans who consider it a priority rising by 17 percentage points from 2018. From 32% six years ago, the figure is now 49%. A similar proportion — 50% — cited Russian influence as a major concern.

The rise of rival superpowers would appear to be more of a worry than backing countries which are outwardly American allies: support for Ukraine and Israel was a priority for only 23% and 22% of respondents, respectively. Topping the league table was protecting the US from terrorist attacks, with 73% of the public thinking it should be a long-term priority. Presumably that definition includes January 6…