A recent survey conducted with 2,407 respondents from six countries consisting of the U.K., France, Japan, South Korea, Australia and the U.S., revealed that most foreigners know little about the Chinese culture.
The Global Times reported that the survey was undertaken by Beijing Normal University and the research platform Survey Sampling International, which polled respondents, between ages 18 and 65 from the said countries, from October to December last year.
According to the report, the respondents were asked about Chinese philosophies, arts, historical icons, natural resources, lifestyle and humanistic resources to determine what they know about the Chinese culture.
"Japan and South Korea differed in their impression and interest in Chinese culture, with South Koreans being more positive while the Japanese more negative, and that might be related to bilateral relations and their nationals' mindset," Yu Dan, a professor at the university who led the survey, was quoted as saying.
"People in the West know about China's past glory more than its contemporary achievements. It will take some years for greater awareness of these achievements," John Ross, senior fellow at the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies, told the Global Times.
According to Ross, the Japanese and South Koreans share certain cultural traditions with the Chinese; hence they are more familiar with the Chinese culture. He explained that China is being studied in the U.S. because they believe China has a potential to become the next great power.
The survey showed that, among foreigners, Americans are most familiar with the Chinese culture.
The survey further showed that although respondents recognized specific cultural symbols such as "panda" and "green tea," they were not familiar with more abstract ones such as Chinese arts and philosophies.
Ross added that it was easier for some Europeans to understand the religious framework, as most cultures are based on a religion, and given that Confucianism is a dominant influence in the Chinese culture.
The survey bared that although many respondents are hesitant, they are interested and willing to know more about the Chinese culture.
"As China becomes more powerful and prosperous, interest in China will rise. Even if its soft power projection is very skillful, it cannot change foreigners' perception as much as China's hard power," Ross added.