Global Times Poll: 80% of Respondents Say China Not Yet a World Power
Bilateral relations with the US, Japan, and Russia are the top three influential relationships for China, according to a survey released Sunday by Global Times’ Global Poll Center. More than half the respondents had a positive view of Sino-US relations, though many agreed that the US pivot toward Asia and its efforts at strategic containment of China are holding relations back.
The survey indicated the Chinese people have a dimmer view of Sino-Japanese relations, as nearly 70 percent of those surveyed chose Japan’s so-called nationalization of the Diaoyu Islands as the most significant global event in 2012.
The survey, conducted through phone calls and the Internet, collected responses from 1,404 residents above 15 years old and from seven Chinese cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Changsha.
According to previous Global Times surveys over the past seven years, Sino-US relations have been considered the most influential bilateral relations for China, with 74.6 percent of the respondents agreeing this year, although its significance has seen a noticeable decrease from 2010 to 2012. Around 34 percent of the respondents think Sino-US relations have become tenser during US President Barack Obama’s term over the past four years.
Some 53 percent of the respondents think positively of Sino-US relations despite agreeing that certain issues, such as the US containment of China, business and trade frictions, the Taiwan question and disputes on yuan exchange rates, have been affecting relations.
The report showed that most of the respondents had pessimistic expectations of Sino-Japanese relations, with less than 24 percent expecting an improved relationship. Some 38 percent thought the relationship would stay as it is now, and another 33 percent believed it would get worse.
While some 38 percent surveyed remain optimistic on China’s surrounding environment, more than half still think disputes over the South China Sea and US involvement in the issue are affecting China’s relations with ASEAN countries.
Despite all the pressure and frictions China faces, some 81 percent of the respondents said the country will have a favorable international environment for its future development, while some 57 percent expect the country to encounter growing friction in the process.
China is not yet a global power to over 80 percent of the respondents, although many agree that the country has got what it takes to become one in regard to economic and military development.
Around 57 percent chose China as their “favorite country.” The US was listed as the second best country and the most desirable country for those wishing for an experience abroad.