Category: World
Service
Date: 07.03.2005
Printable version
A Â鶹Éç World Service survey suggests that China is viewed much more positively than either the United States or Russia by people in 22 countries.
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The world views China almost as positively as it views Britain.
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But the survey suggests a sharp division between views of China's economic success and concerns about any growth in its military power.
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China is seen as having a mainly positive influence in the world by a majority or plurality of people in 14 countries, according to the international survey.
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Particularly striking is that even in neighbouring Asian countries, that have historically shown substantial suspicion of China, views are relatively benign.
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Most notable is India where 66% view China positively, despite decades of tension and a history of border clashes.
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The findings of the new international survey mark the start of a week of special news reports and programmes on China across the Â鶹Éç.
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In none of the 22 countries polled did a majority of the public have a negative view of China's influence in the world.
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But most people are negative about China significantly increasing her military power.
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Phil Harding, Â鶹Éç World Service Director of English Networks and News, said: "These findings provide a fascinating starting point for an unprecedented week of programmes from China.
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"In China's World not only will we look at a wide range of Chinese life but we will also highlight the country's influence on the world.
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"The season will include for the first time an edition of the 'phone-in programme, Talking Point, from Tsinghua University of Beijing.
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"The arts programme, The Ticket, will be looking at the new Shanghai arts scene including new novels and the latest Shanghai pop.
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"There will also be live news programmes and a fascinating series on the advances China is now making in modern science."
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The survey, conducted by the international polling company, GlobeScan, together with the Programme on International Policy Attitudes (PIPA) at the University of Maryland, suggests:
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China is viewed nearly as positively as Britain by people polled worldwide - on average 50% see Britain as having a positive influence in the world compared to 48% for China;
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On average across all 22 countries polled almost half (48%) see China's influence as positive and only 30% see it as negative and another 22% are noncommittal;
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China's growing economic power is seen as positive in most countries. Asked what they think about China becoming significantly more powerful economically than it is today, on average 49% people see it as positive and 33% as negative. This positive view is found in countries such as Mexico (54% positive), whose manufacturing sectors face significant competition from China;
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The view in neighbouring countries which historically have been suspicious of China is relatively benign. In India, 66% of people polled view China positively despite decades of tension. Positive views are also found in the Philippines (70%), Indonesia (68%) and Australia (56%). South Korea is divided (49% positive, 47% negative). In Japan 53% do not take a position either way;
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While most people polled are positive about China significantly increasing her economic power, most people are negative about China significantly increasing its military power;
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This includes EU nations which have a negative view of increasing Chinese military power; Germany 87% negative, Spain 76%, Italy 74%, Britain 65%, Poland 65%, France 64%. China's neighbour, India, was the most positive (56%) at the prospect of increased Chinese military power among those countries polled.
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GlobeScan President Doug Miller said: "China clearly has the respect of the world because of its exceptional economic achievements, and most people seem to hope for its continued economic success.
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"However, citizens worldwide are hoping that China will pursue a soft power approach."
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Notes to Editors
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The international poll was conducted in 22 countries from 15 November 2004 to 5 January 2005: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, France, Germany, Great Britain, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Philippines, Poland, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Turkey and USA.
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In eight of the countries the sample was limited to major metropolitan areas. The sample size in all countries except Brazil, Philippines and Poland was 1,000 people or more.
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GlobeScan is a global public opinion firm with a research network spanning 50 countries.
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Â鶹Éç World Service will carry special reports on China across its programme schedule during a week of special programming which starts on today (Monday 7 March).
