John Pomfret writes on his blog about a recently released poll indicating that 92 percent of Chinese believe their country has a mostly positive influence on the world. From Pomfret’s China:
To me this poll illustrates one of the most interesting aspects of the world’s interaction with China. That’s the gap between how most Chinese perceive of their country and how the rest of us do. Most Chinese people appear to believe deeply in the benevolent role that China’s plays around the globe. I saw this during the 10 years I lived in China. And I see it in the regular and friendly interaction I have with Chinese officials.
Why?
First, I think Chinese propaganda is very successful; Chinese have generally bought into the government that line that China’s rise can only bring good things to the rest of the world. They deeply believe the line that China would never invade a foreign country, etc.
