The Pew Research Center shows that 75 per cent of Chinese fear Western powers. About 77 per cent want the government to protect their lifestyle and take care of domestic problems.
Beijing (AsiaNews/Agencies) – Most Chinese feel threatened by pressures from foreign countries, this according to a recent survey by the US-based Pew Research Center.
Some 75 per cent of respondents believes that China is playing a more important role in the world compared to 10 years ago but, at the same time, there is great suspicion of Western powers. Only 10 per cent think the opposite.
For 77 per cent, the Chinese way of life must be protected against foreign interference.
Similarly, there is great concern over territorial disputes with neighbouring countries which is leading to an alarming escalation of tension.
Some 56 per cent of respondents thinks that the government should take care of domestic problems and reduce its involvement in the affairs of other countries.
Fear of American power in the region is still present among Chinese. About 45 per cent of respondents in fact regard the US as the greatest threat to China compared to 39 per cent in 2013.
These percentage fit well with the Chinese regime's policy centred on nationalism and security. This policy is even stronger following the slowdown in the country’s economic growth that once seemed unstoppable.
According to Hong Kong-based scholar Willy Wo-Lap Lam, the threat perceived by Beijing is very strong and results in an aggressive policy.