Most in U.S. say China 's initial response to coronavirus contributed to its spread % who say the Chinese government's initial handling of the coronavirus outbreak IN Wuhan is to blame for the global spread of the virus
Around three-quarters of Americans say the Chinese government’s initial handling of the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan contributed either a great deal (51%) or a fair amount (27%) to the global spread of the virus. Republicans are particularly critical: 73% believe China’s early handling of the pandemic contributed a great deal to its spread, compared with 38% of Democrats who say the same. Older people, too, are especially likely to lay the blame on China.
Half of Americans think the U.S. should hold China responsible for the role it played in the outbreak of the coronavirus, even if it means worsening economic relations, while 38% think the U.S. should prioritize strong U.S.-China relations, even if it means overlooking any role China played in the outbreak. (The 8% of adults who say the Chinese government’s initial handling of the virus is not at all to blame for the global spread of the virus were not asked this foll0w-up question, while 5% expressed no opinion, either to the first or second question.) Republicans and those who lean toward the GOP are about twice as likely (71%) as Democrats and Democratic leaners (37%) to say the U.S. should hold China responsible even at the expense of worse economic relations.
Most in U.S. say China 's initial response  | to coronavirus contributed to its spread  | % who say the Chinese government's initial handling of  | the coronavirus outbreak IN Wuhan is to blame for  | the global spread of the virus  | a great  | a fair Not too Not  | doal great  | amount  | much atall  | 51%  | 27  | 12  | 8  | Note: Don't know responses not shown.  | Source Survey of U.S adults conducted June 16-July 14. 2020  | Q20.  | Americans Fault China for Its Role in the Spread of COVID-19"  | PEW RESEARCH CENTER 