Page Conversation Replay: How China Sees the World

In this Page Conversation, Reza Hasmath, a Professor of Political Science at the University of Alberta with over 20 years of experience surveying Chinese public opinion, shares insights from his latest research on how Chinese citizens view the world. Watch the recording for a detailed look at Chinese perceptions of major global powers, trends around trust and cooperation, and the role of social media in shaping views, offering a unique window into the mindset of the Chinese public.

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What you should know:

• Nationalist sentiment: Chinese citizens generally view China as the most powerful and influential nation globally, with the US seen as second. This strong nationalist sentiment could make it challenging for China to cooperate with the West on certain issues.
• Pragmatic Russia ties: There is strong support among Chinese citizens for closer ties with Russia, driven by pragmatic economic and strategic considerations. This pragmatic approach to foreign relations could complicate Western efforts to isolate Russia.
• Generational divide: Younger Chinese citizens are more skeptical and less trusting of institutions compared to older, more educated, and higher-income demographics. This generational gap could have implications for China's long-term social and political stability.
• Importance of people-to-people: Increasing cultural and educational exchanges are crucial for building trust and understanding between China and the West. The decline in such exchanges in recent years is a concerning trend that could further erode mutual trust.

Go deeper: Check out the slides from the presentation here.