Chinese, Americans have favorable views toward each other

WASHINGTON, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese and Americans generally hold favorable views toward each other, while most people in both countries believe bilateral trade benefits both economies, according to a new survey released here Monday.

The survey, entitled American and Chinese Attitudes Toward Each Other, was released by the Committee of 100, a nonprofit organization made up of well-known Chinese Americans.

It found that 60 percent of the Chinese people surveyed have a favorable impression of the United States, while 52 percent of the Americans give a favorable rating to China.

In the United States, 72 percent of the surveyed "strongly agree" or "somewhat agree" that trade with China benefits their country.

In China, the figure is even higher: 82 percent "strongly agree" or "somewhat agree" that trade with the United States benefits China.

Respondents in both countries highly value the importance of the U.S.-China bilateral relationship.

A majority of Americans and Chinese surveyed described the current relationship as "improving" or "remaining stable."

The survey also found 64 percent of Americans think the United States should accept China's status as a rising power and should seek a collaborative relationship.

Both American and Chinese respondents have very positive feelings about Beijing's hosting of the 2008 Olympic Games, agreeing that the event will help improve China's economy and global image.

The survey was conducted from Aug. 18 to Sept. 19, 2007, among 1,650 American adults and 4,463 Chinese adults.

The survey in the United States was conducted by Zog by International and the China part was conducted by Beijing-based Horizon Research Consultancy.

"By conducting a survey on similar issues in both countries at the same time, we are able to offer a comparative analysis of where the Chinese and American public agree and disagree, and how each views the bilateral relationship," Gen. John L. Fugh, chairman of the Committee of 100, commented on the survey.

"Through a better understanding of how each public feels, the leaders of both countries can work more cooperatively on common issues and tip the balance further in favor of hope, and less on fear," he said.

The Committee of 100 was founded in 1990 by a group of well-known Chinese Americans, and it has been engaged in promoting China-U.S. constructive relations and cooperation.