Among the many interesting results of the new Lowy Institute Poll, one stands out. A majority of Australians now think our global trade should no longer be guided by the world market. They would instead prefer to deal with those countries we consider friends. The response stands out because the poll otherwise registers fewer security concerns about China.

It is true that a majority of those polled still see China as a security threat to Australia, but it is a much narrower majority than in last year’s poll. The share of respondents who think of China as an economic partner has correspondingly increased. The share of Australians who think China’s foreign policy poses a critical threat to Australia has fallen.