A recent survey has revealed that over 60 percent of European respondents believe that trade with China brings significant benefits to their countries. The poll, conducted across ten European nations, highlights a positive shift in perception towards China and underscores the importance of China-European Union (EU) relations in the global economy.
Young Europeans Show Strong Favorability
The survey gathered responses from 3,895 participants aged 18 and above. Notably, respondents aged 25 to 34 expressed the highest level of goodwill toward China, with 76.1 percent viewing the relationship favorably. Seven out of the ten countries surveyed reported a favorability rating towards China exceeding 50 percent.
China Viewed as a Key Partner
When asked to characterize their country’s relationship with China, 44.2 percent of respondents identified China as a “partner,” more than double the 21.4 percent who considered it a “competitor.” This sentiment was especially strong among younger respondents, with nearly half in the 18 to 34 age group seeing China as a partner. Countries like Serbia, Hungary, and Portugal showed the highest percentages of respondents viewing China as a partner.
Confidence in China’s Economic Strength
The majority of respondents acknowledged China’s robust economic and technological advancements. A striking 86 percent described China’s economy as “strong,” and 73.1 percent expressed confidence in its long-term economic outlook. Additionally, 81.5 percent praised the significant contribution of Chinese technology to global markets.
Trade with China Deemed Beneficial
All ten countries agreed that trade with China is advantageous, with an average approval rate of 65.2 percent. Spain (73.3 percent), Serbia (72 percent), and the United Kingdom (70.7 percent) topped the list. When comparing trade benefits between China and the United States, 37.2 percent of respondents believed Europe gains more from trade with China, while only 19.5 percent favored trade with the U.S.
Calls for Closer Economic Ties
Amid global economic uncertainties, a significant number of respondents from the UK (70.4 percent), Germany (62.3 percent), and France (61.3 percent) advocated for closer economic cooperation with China. The poll indicates a strong desire among Europeans for enhanced China-EU relations to promote multilateralism and address global challenges.
About the Survey
The survey was conducted by CGTN in partnership with the New Era International Communication Research Institute. Participants were adults aged 18 or older from the UK, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Serbia, Spain, and Sweden. The sample reflected national census data for age and gender in each country.
