China seen as America’s top enemy, North Korea holds most unfavorable

For the second consecutive year, China has topped the list as the ‘Greatest enemy’ country Americans think of, according to Gallup, which collects and produces surveys and statistics from more than 160 countries around the world. At 41%, China’s 2024 figure has decreased by 9% from 50% in 2023.

Russia was in second place with 26%, experiencing a 6% decline from 32% in 2023.

The decrease in hostility among the top two countries is attributed to a split vote, with Iran’s figure rising from just 2% in 2023 to 9% due to its recent escalation of hostility, including its support for Houthi and Yemeni rebel groups.

The percentage of Americans pointing toward North Korea as the greatest enemy decreased to 4% in 2024, down 3% from 7% in 2023, and a significant drop from 51% in 2018. It should be noted that although enmity toward North Korea is at a low level of 4%, it ranks among the most unfavorable in the world. Only 9% of respondents viewed North Korea favorably, whereas 87% viewed it unfavorably. North Korea’s unfavorable rating is the highest in the world, surpassing Russia (86%) and China (77%).

Meanwhile, other changes from last year include an increase in Americans naming the United States as the nation’s greatest enemy, rising from just 2% to 5%, the highest level since Gallup first asked the question in 2001. Additionally, the perception of Ukraine and Israel as the nation’s greatest enemies rose from under 1% in 2023 to 2% in 2024.

BY JUNHAN PARK    [park.junhan@koreadaily.com]