More than Meets the Eye: Public Perceptions and Misperceptions of China

Abstract

How is China viewed by citizens of other countries? Popular polling data based on the feeling thermometer scale can reveal overall patterns of the public sentiment toward China, but they do not necessarily capture the multidimensional preferences of the public. In this article, I explore both perceptions and misperceptions of China held by the Canadian public through a series of surveys that cover a wide range of topics from trade and investment to international leadership. Two broad conclusions follow. First, public perceptions of China are much more nuanced and conflicted than can be quickly gleaned from the simple dichotomy of “favorable vs unfavorable”. Second, misperceptions of China are widespread but they may be remedied by corrective information. At a time when countries around the world are grappling with the rise of China and its expanded global footprint, failure to account for either of these features in the public opinion of China may lead to misguided policies.