US takes dimmer view of China as power grows

China's image in the United States and with some of its southeast Asian neighbors has turned negative despite an overall positive global view, a leading US think tank said in a recent report.

Across 43 nations, a median of 49 percent express a favorable opinion of China while 32 percent offer an unfavorable rating. Only 35 percent of Americans have a positive view of China, while 55 percent have the opposite. China's image in the US has become more negative in recent years: As recently as 2011, half of Americans rated China positively.

The findings were based on a global attitudes survey in 44 countries conducted earlier this year by the Pew Research Center, an independent US "fact tank" in Washington. The center conducts public opinion polling, demographic research and media content analysis to inform the public about issues, attitudes and trends that shape the US and the world.

"Compared with a couple years ago, there is a little bit more negativity in both countries toward each other," Richard Wike, director of the center's global attitudes project, said in Beijing on Oct 24. "On the US side, it has reflected ongoing anxiety about the US domestic economic situation."

In the US, unfavorable ratings of China are more common among Republicans (65%) than Democrats (53%) and independents (51%).

"The Republicans are more concerned about the economic competition with China, especially on issues such as the trade deficit; the American debt held by China; and perceptions of jobs being lost to China," Wike said in a lecture.

The negative impression also involves growing concerns about inequality, air and water pollution, and corruption in China, he said.

In Asia, attitudes toward China differ considerably across the region. Two-thirds or more voice a positive opinion in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand.

A 56 percent majority also holds a favorable view in South Korea, up from 46 percent last year.

Large majorities, however, give China a negative rating in Japan, the Philippines and Vietnam. Those countries are involved in territorial disputes with Beijing in the East and South China seas.

Despite the concerns that China's increasing power generates among some in Asia and around the globe, the report said Beijing's economic growth also presents opportunities for many.

Of those surveyed, a median of 53 percent believe China's growing economy is a good thing for their own countries; 27 percent disagree.

The prevailing view in China's region is that its economic growth helps its neighbors.

Wike said China's rise, coupled with the challenges that have plagued the US

economy, have led to shifting views about the economic balance of power in the world.

"We find that people tend to think China's power will eventually overtake the US to become the world's leading superpower," he said.

According to the report, the median percentage naming the US as the world's leading economic power has dropped from 49 percent six years ago to 40 percent today.

During the same period, the percentage naming China has risen from 19 percent to 31 percent.

puzhendong@chinadaily.com.cn