As Donald Trump prepares for a closely watched visit to Beijing, public reactions across China reveal a strikingly divided perception of the former US president and the broader relationship between the world’s two largest economies. Reporting from El País highlights how ordinary citizens, from street barbers to students and workers, express sharply contrasting views that reflect deeper geopolitical tensions between Washington and Beijing.
In a bustling public square in northern Beijing, evening life unfolds as residents gather to exercise, play games, and socialise after dinner. It is within this everyday setting that conversations about Trump’s upcoming visit emerge naturally, illustrating how global politics filters into routine life in China’s capital. Some residents express outright hostility toward the American leader, while others adopt a more pragmatic or indifferent stance.
Among the most critical voices is a 56-year-old barber who describes Trump as a destabilising figure in global politics. Speaking while cutting hair outdoors, he argues that the US leader has contributed to international conflicts and lacks the qualities of a trustworthy statesman. His comments reflect a broader narrative shared by several residents who associate American foreign policy with instability in regions such as the Middle East.
This sentiment is echoed by others in the square who criticise Trump’s business-oriented leadership style and his impact on global markets. Some residents describe him as unpredictable and accuse him of prioritising personal or economic interests over diplomacy. For these interviewees, the visit is viewed with scepticism rather than enthusiasm.
However, not all responses are negative. A 53-year-old construction worker interviewed in the same area expresses a more neutral position, suggesting that the visit could present economic opportunities for China. While she acknowledges Trump’s transactional approach to politics, she does not harbour strong hostility toward the United States and sees potential benefits in renewed engagement between the two countries.
Other residents adopt a more detached stance, refusing to engage deeply with the question or framing it as an issue beyond ordinary citizens’ influence. Some argue that diplomatic relations should be left to national leaders, reflecting a common perception that foreign policy decisions are removed from everyday life.
A particularly outspoken group of local enthusiasts, who gather in public spaces to practise traditional whip-cracking exercises, offer some of the most polarised opinions. According to El País reporting, they express strong opposition to Trump, while surprisingly showing more favourable attitudes toward other global figures, illustrating the complexity and unpredictability of public sentiment. Their comments also include concerns about trade tensions, tariffs, and US policy toward Taiwan, which is widely regarded in China as a highly sensitive geopolitical issue.
The issue of Taiwan emerges repeatedly in discussions, with several residents describing it as a “red line” in China’s foreign policy. US engagement with Taiwan is viewed by many as a source of friction, reinforcing perceptions of strategic containment by Washington. These concerns are frequently linked to broader criticisms of American foreign policy and its global influence.
Despite these tensions, China’s relationship with the United States remains deeply intertwined at economic and cultural levels. Many Chinese citizens have studied in the US, and American cultural products remain widely consumed. Brands such as Apple and Nike are popular, and Hollywood films continue to attract large audiences. Even major franchises like Disney have achieved significant commercial success in the Chinese market, demonstrating the coexistence of political rivalry and cultural attraction.
This duality is reflected in younger generations as well. Two university-aged tourists interviewed in Beijing express a more nuanced view, separating political disagreements from cultural appreciation. They suggest that exposure to American culture does not necessarily conflict with criticism of US political leadership, highlighting a generational shift in how global relationships are interpreted.
Public opinion data cited in El País reinforces this complexity. Surveys conducted in 2025 indicate that Chinese respondents rate US government relations relatively low, with widespread belief that Washington seeks to limit China’s rise. However, the same studies show that many still view aspects of American culture positively, suggesting a clear distinction between political attitudes and cultural consumption.
At the same time, admiration for certain aspects of the United States persists. Some residents acknowledge the country’s technological innovation, educational institutions, and global cultural influence. These contradictions reflect a long-standing pattern in China’s engagement with the US: political suspicion coexists with economic interdependence and cultural curiosity.
Even in everyday spaces such as fast-food restaurants, this paradox is visible. Western brands like KFC, which entered China decades ago and became symbols of early market liberalisation, remain widely popular. Younger consumers often view such spaces as neutral cultural zones rather than political statements, further complicating the relationship between national identity and global influence.
As Trump’s visit approaches, the range of reactions in Beijing underscores the broader uncertainty defining US–China relations. While official diplomacy will shape the formal outcome of the meeting, public sentiment reveals a more fragmented reality: one in which suspicion, admiration, economic interest, and political distrust coexist in uneasy balance.
