According to a recent poll, over 50 percent of Belgians view the US as an adversary. Meanwhile, only 40% to 44% perceive China as a rival.
A new survey commissioned by Belgian broadcasters VRT and RTBF and newspaper De Standaard suggests that trust in the United States has fallen sharply among the Belgian public. The poll found that around half of respondents now see the US as an adversary, while only 10% still consider it an ally.
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The findings come from De Stemming, an annual survey conducted by researchers from the University of Antwerp and the Université Libre de Bruxelles. The study, carried out in March, examined Belgians' views on international security and global powers.
According to the researchers, the results were particularly striking because it was the first time international security had featured so prominently in the survey. The poll was conducted shortly after US and Israeli strikes on Iran. At the time, concerns about possible disruptions to global energy supplies and rising prices were receiving significant media attention. Researchers said these developments may have influenced public opinion.
The role of China
The poll also found that China is viewed less negatively than the US. Between 40% and 44% of respondents described China as an adversary. However, very few Belgians consider China an ally, with many respondents choosing the option "neither ally nor adversary".
Despite that, concerns about Beijing remain. Nearly 60% of respondents said they believe a Chinese military attack on Taiwan is likely in the near future, reflecting continued unease about China's growing military influence.
The survey also suggests that Belgians generally feel secure within their own country. Only a small minority believe Belgium itself could face a direct military attack, with 12% of respondents in Flanders and 21% in Wallonia expressing that concern.
At the same time, respondents supported greater European independence in both defence and economic policy. More than 80% said Europe should become militarily self-sufficient, while a majority backed stronger European responses to US trade measures and tariffs.
The poll also found strong support for limiting foreign influence in Belgian affairs. Nearly 90% of respondents said Belgium should not allow the US to interfere in its domestic matters, reflecting recent controversy surrounding comments made by the US ambassador to Belgium.
Despite growing scepticism towards Washington, Belgians remain broadly supportive of Western institutions. Around 80% said Belgium should remain a member of NATO under all circumstances. Many respondents view the alliance as a collective European security shield rather than an instrument of US influence.