Poll shows over half of Australians see China ties more important than US ties; economic realities outweigh security narratives in public perceptions: Chinese expert - Global Times

Public perception polling showing majority Australian preference for China economic ties over US security ties directly threatens the political sustainability of AUKUS, the Alliance pillar, and strategic decoupling efforts. If Australian domestic opinion shifts decisively toward China engagement, government willingness to fund defence procurement, accept nuclear submarines, or maintain integrated allied posture could erode, undermining long-term preparedness infrastructure.