........
People in Europe and the Americas generally do not see China as a peaceful country. They see it as being increasingly beligerant and nationalistic.
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U really should get out more, or as AmiGanguli says, look hard at the crowd u hang out with.
bbc.co.uk
Press Releases
China is seen more favourably than US or Russia
Category: World Service
Date: 07.03.2005
Printable version
A BBC World Service survey suggests that China is viewed much more positively than either the United States or Russia by people in 22 countries.
The world views China almost as positively as it views Britain.
But the survey suggests a sharp division between views of China's economic success and concerns about any growth in its military power.
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.
Particularly striking is that even in neighbouring Asian countries, that have historically shown substantial suspicion of China, views are relatively benign.
Most notable is India where 66% view China positively, despite decades of tension and a history of border clashes.
The findings of the new international survey mark the start of a week of special news reports and programmes on China across the BBC.
In none of the 22 countries polled did a majority of the public have a negative view of China's influence in the world.
But most people are negative about China significantly increasing her military power.
Phil Harding, BBC World Service Director of English Networks and News, said: "These findings provide a fascinating starting point for an unprecedented week of programmes from China.
"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.
"The season will include for the first time an edition of the ’phone-in programme, Talking Point, from Tsinghua University of Beijing.
"The arts programme, The Ticket, will be looking at the new Shanghai arts scene including new novels and the latest Shanghai pop.
"There will also be live news programmes and a fascinating series on the advances China is now making in modern science."
The survey, conducted by the international polling company, GlobeScan, together with the Programme on International Policy Attitudes (PIPA) at the University of Maryland, suggests:
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;
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;
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;
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;
While most people polled are positive about China significantly increasing her economic power, most people are negative about China significantly increasing its military power;
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.
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.
"However, citizens worldwide are hoping that China will pursue a soft power approach."
Notes to Editors
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.
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.
GlobeScan is a global public opinion firm with a research network spanning 50 countries.
BBC 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).
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