Chinese Poll Numbers Reveal US Viewed as Top Cultural Threat

A Pew Research Center opinion survey conducted this year in China reveals that, among the 3,154 Chinese respondents, the United States is considered to be the top cultural threat to their way of life.

According to the survey, a majority of Chinese citizens participating in the poll acknowledge Beijing's growing role in world affairs, with 75 percent agreeing that China has become a more influential player on the global stage, as compared to a decade ago, with only 10 percent considering it less powerful.

China has seen significant economic growth in recent decades, and, according to the poll results, Chinese people recognize their country's growing global prominence. Almost 90 percent of the poll respondents agree that the economy is in good shape, and 76 percent expect it to improve over the next year.

But despite the overall satisfaction of the poll respondents with China's increasing engagement in the global economy, and confidence about Beijing's international stature, the survey highlighted the general preference of Chinese citizens to look inward rather than outward.

A majority of respondents (56 percent) said that they wanted their government to treat China's internal problems as its priority, while only 22 percent did not mind that Beijing providing aid to other nations. There are plenty of domestic challenges to address, the Chinese public agreed, and almost half (49 percent) of the participants named corruption by those in positions of power as the biggest problem in the country. Other major reasons for concern, according to the survey, are the ever-growing gap between rich and poor, as well as consumer and environmental safety.

A fear of the negative cultural influence of international societies was also prevalent, given that roughly three-quarters (77 percent) of respondents believe that their way of life needs to be protected against foreign influence, and such sentiment has spiked 13 percent since 2002.

But it is America, and the overwhelming global cultural influence the country wields, that is thought to be the greatest threat to China, the poll respondents believe. Although general views of the US appear to be mixed, with 50 percent of voters giving it a favorable rating, the survey indicates that a majority sees Washington as Beijing's principal rival on the world stage.

According to the poll, 52 percent expressed their concern that the US is attempting to limit China's ability to become an equal geopolitical power, while only 29 percent believe Washington is willing to accept Beijing's rising influence.

And 45 percent name American power and influence as the top threat facing the country, the highest percentage among seven potential threats offered in the survey.