China and the US
China’s currency has gained by 8.3% since the dollar peg was eliminated. However the Bush administration is still unhappy about, what they see as, the sluggish pace of appreciation. The Americans cavil that the undervalued yuan continues to give an unfair advantage to Chinese exports, leading to a ballooning trade deficit. Though the relationship between the US and China has improved dramatically over the last decade, the political climate has never been easy. At the same time the ordinary Chinese continue to lap up the American pop culture, eat American junk food and watch prodigious amount of American soap (in pirated DVDs - much to the chagrin of the Americans). TNS set to find out what the ordinary Chinese citizens think about the US, its products, culture and the American people.
Economic powerhouse and a world leader
To start with, the Chinese clearly acknowledge America as an economic powerhouse, a world leader and an influential country – far ahead of any other country, including their own. As an economic power they place China at the third place, just a little behind Japan. However as a “world leader” and an “influential country” the Chinese place their own country at the No. 2 slot, after the US, but far ahead of any other country. It is evident that the Chinese are proud of what they have achieved (justifiably so, if you look at the 8%+ growth rate for 20 years in succession) and clearly place China far ahead of any other as a country “with a fast growing economy”.
The Chinese do not have a high association of any country other than their own as “peaceful”. The Scandinavian countries come next – though at a significant distance from China. Only 9% consider the US as “peaceful” –the same as the UK. Japan, a country against which China still harbors historical grudges, is rated even poorer.
Land of superior goods
On the commercial front, the Chinese hold the US in a very high esteem. US has the second highest association with a country “which makes excellent quality products” (a 33% association, next only to Germany at 38%). Japan and Scandinavian countries also do well, followed by Korea, China itself and UK.
US industry is seen to excel in many areas – ranging from quality of high tech products (No. 1 position), health care products (No. 1), and quality of drinks (No. 1 again). Despite all the trouble facing the American automobile industry, Chinese still hold the American automobiles in high regard – next only to the ones made by the Germans. US also comes at number 2 position on quality of consumer electronics – but significantly behind Japan.
Number 2 position is also enjoyed by US on quality of personal care products and quality of luxury products (behind France), quality of machinery (behind Germans). In the field of computer hardware and software, US is a clear leader – with no other country anywhere near it. In general, American products have a perception of being technologically advanced, innovative and modern. Germans and the Japanese do better on products with good craftsmanship, good detailing and products with a long life. Quite understandably, the Chinese consider themselves as the country offering products with the best value for money (followed by Japan, and the US not doing too badly at No. 3 slot).
Fashion leader and trend setter
America is seen to combine the best of science and art, and is not only seen as a centre of technological excellence but also as fashion leader and a trend setter. US is far ahead of anyone else in producing good popular music and good movies and drama. Chinese express their appreciation of this by lapping up the pirated DVDs and downloading from free file share sites – though not as the US would like them to express - by paying the full price that the Americans normally pay. While in pop art, the US reigns supreme, when it comes to serious art and culture, it is France which takes the place of pride, and specifically on the quality of museums, UK takes the top spot.
Not only science, technology and art, the Chinese recognize American excellence in education and sports. American Universities are considered as the best, with UK not far behind. The Chinese feel that the US is the best country in the world to go and work in (China included). However, much to the relief of the anti-immigration American lobby, most Chinese still prefer to settle and finally retire in their own country. They would, however, like to visit America as tourists – though in this America competes strongly with several other destinations such as Australia (No. 1), Scandinavia (No. 2), France (No. 3) and Italy (No. 4).
Cuisine and people
In spite of the fact that the Chinese consume large quantities of Kentucky Fried Chicken and McDonald’s burgers (or perhaps because of it!), the Chinese do not hold the American cuisine in a high esteem. On this aspect, Chinese show extreme patriotism, though some have positive associations with French food.
Finally, there is one area that the Americans seriously need to improve their image. Only 17% of Chinese women consider American men as handsome. Many more Chinese women seem to be drawn towards the French (25%), the British (22%) and the Italians (21%).
American women also have some work ahead of them. Only 16% of the Chinese men would consider them as beautiful. Unlike the Chinese women, the Chinese men are most drawn to their own country women (40%), though some acknowledge the charms of the French ladies (23%).
