President Xi iInping's upcoming state visit to the U.S. will be his first official visit to the state as president of China. (Photo : REUTERS)
China's National Image Global Survey 2014 showed that the world's perception of the country has been improving over the recent years, highlighting the leadership of President Xi Jinping.
According to the survey's results, which were released on March 18, the global community has significantly recognized the country's image.
The survey was conducted by the Center for International Communication Studies of China Foreign Languages Publishing Administration. It is based on 4,500 respondents from nine countries.
The countries include China, U.S., U.K., Japan, Australia, India, Russia, South Africa and Brazil, representing various geographic areas and levels of economic development.
According to Wang Gangyi, the vice president of China International Publishing Group, "more people in the nine countries are convinced of China's future robust economic growth."
China earned an average of 5.9 for its national image on a scale of 1 to 10, higher than the previous year's 5.1.
Analysts said that Chinese companies' global strategies are significant in boosting the country's overall image. Of the overseas respondents, around 36 percent are positive that these firms will bring new technology and capital to their countries, while about 32 percent stated that they will heighten employment opportunities.
Chinese brands have also been popular with foreign consumers. Products from Lenovo, Air China, Alibaba, Huawei and Haier have constantly increased their popularity in the global market.
With more improvement on the quality of Chinese products, the country should see a further increase in its national image.
Moreover, the study showed that the youth are more familiar with the country. Compared with senior correspondents, those belonging to the younger generation are more optimistic about China and its future.
Thirty-four percent of the respondents on the 18-35 age bracket are knowledgeable of China, while on the 36-50 and 51-65 age brackets, the percentages are only 28 and 20, respectively.
China International Publishing Group's deputy director, Yu Yunquan, explained that the youth has more channels and avenues where they can get to know more about the country.
Yu also expressed his adamant belief that China's national image will continue to improve.
