“Australians remain positive about globalization and free trade, and far fewer see COVID-19 as a threat in 2022.”
Confidence in China at record high
And the majority of Australians (65 percent) view China’s foreign policy as a “critical threat” for the next decade – 29 points more than in 2017.
For the first time, a majority of Australians (51 percent) say they would support the use of the Australian military if China invaded Taiwan and the United States intervened.
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The data also showed that 88 percent of Australians are “very” or “somewhat” concerned that China may open a military base in a Pacific country.
‘Almost all’ Australians concerned about Russian invasion of Ukraine
Just 5 percent of respondents said they trusted Russia “somewhat” or “a lot” to act responsibly in the world, representing a 21-point drop from 2021 and making Russia the least trusted country by Australians.
Six percent of Australians have “a lot” or “some” confidence in Russian President Vladimir Putin to do the right thing in world affairs. Source: Getty † Getty Images/TASS
When it comes to world leaders, the report said that 6 percent of Australians have “a lot” or “some” trust in Russian President Vladimir Putin to do the right thing in the world, down 10 points since 2021.
Climate change is still considered a critical threat
However, 10 per cent said Australia should not take steps that entail economic costs “until we know for sure that global warming is a real problem”.
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The vast majority of respondents (90 percent) said they support federal government subsidies for renewable energy technology, and 77 percent are in favor of a more ambitious 2030 emissions target.
Are Australians still concerned about COVID-19?
The perceived threat from COVID-19 (and other potential epidemics) continued on a downward trajectory, with only 42 percent believing they pose a critical threat to Australia’s vital interests over the next 10 years.
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The poll surveyed 2,006 Australian adults between March 15 and 28 this year, and were randomly recruited via their landline, mobile phone or address, with a 2.2 percent margin of error.
Regional Security Issues
“Malaysia’s position remains the same. I have reported it to the Foreign Minister.”
Foreign Minister Penny Wong, left, speaks at a press conference after meeting Malaysian Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah during a visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Putrajaya, Malaysia. Source: AP † Vincent Thian/AP
Senator Wong said she appreciated the opportunity “to explain how we see AUKUS” [ Mr Saifuddin] and to other colleagues during recent visits to Vietnam and Indonesia.”
“Australia will always operate on the basis that we have this goal: a region that is peaceful, a region that is stable, a region that is prosperous, a region that respects sovereignty.”
Nuclear submarines in 2030 ‘optimistic’
“We need to look at options to bring all that forward… [and] how we can get that sub into service sooner rather than later.”
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles. Source: MONKEY † James Ross
Defense leaders have previously told government officials the goal is to have at least one nuclear-powered submarine in the water by 2040.
With AAP.
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