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Report Summary

The 2025 Chinese Citizens’ Global Perception Survey (CCGPS) provides an in-depth analysis of
evolving public sentiment in mainland China, exploring changes in geopolitical attitudes,
governance perspectives, and the sources of information shaping their views on international
affairs. The findings highlight strong public backing for China’s global leadership, particularly
for a greater military role, coupled with a need for a strategic diplomatic approach to address
geopolitical challenges. Furthermore, Chinese citizens advocate for pragmatic economic
engagement with both Western nations and Russia, reinforcing their desire for a balanced
approach to sustaining international partnerships. Overall, these insights serve as a valuable
resource for policymakers, business actors and global stakeholders as they navigate China’s
increasing role on the world stage.

Major Findings

Part I: General Global Perception

• Chinese citizens overwhelmingly view their nation as the dominant global power, with 72% rating its influence at the highest level, surpassing the United States, which remains the second-most influential player at 68%. India has seen a noticeable rise in perceived influence, reflecting its growing economic and strategic presence.
• Russia continues to be China’s most trusted global partner, though trust in Moscow has declined slightly from 81% in 2024 to 74% in 2025. Conversely, Japan remains the least trusted global power, followed closely by the United States, indicating persistent historical and geopolitical tensions.
• The United States is perceived as the most likely adversary in a potential military conflict with China, with 62% of respondents expressing concern, followed by Japan at 54%. Meanwhile, Russia is considered the least likely to engage in hostilities, reinforcing its position as a strategic partner.

 Part II: China's Global Roles

• Chinese citizens prioritize expanding their nation’s global leadership, emphasizing
  peacekeeping, technological advancement, international trade, public health and poverty
  alleviation.
• Russia and the European Union are viewed as China’s most strategic economic partners,
  while the United States is met with cautious openness. Japan remains the least favoured.
• Technological collaboration is welcomed with Russia, the EU, and Canada, while
  relations with the United States remain complex. Japan, Australia, and India face relative
  skepticism due to longstanding rivalries.
• Military expansion enjoys broad public support, yet attitudes toward Western engagement
  remain complex, balancing competitive dynamics with diplomatic pragmatism.
• There is little enthusiasm for exporting China’s governance model, signaling a restrained
  approach to ideological influence abroad.

Part III: Tourism, Study, Work, and Emigration Preferences

• Chinese citizens strongly favour France, Japan, and Australia for tourism, while interest
  in Western nations remains steady despite geopolitical tensions.
• Notwithstanding policies from the current U.S. administration that may pose challenges
  for international students, the United States has reclaimed its status as the top destination
  for studying abroad, followed closely by the United Kingdom and Germany, suggesting a
  lasting global appeal of Western higher education.
• The U.S. and Germany lead as preferred work destinations, with France and Japan also
  ranking highly, while Russia retains strong appeal despite fewer professional
  opportunities in certain sectors.
• Canada remains the top emigration choice, followed by the U.S. and Australia, while
  interest in Russia declines for long-term residency, and India continues to rank lowest.

 
Part IV: Canada and China Relations

• There is a perception that Canadians have a weak understanding of China, which
  negatively impacts bilateral trust, economic and diplomatic relations.
• Chinese citizens continue to support economic cooperation with Canada, though
  enthusiasm has slightly moderated, with 75% favoring expanded trade and investment
  ties in 2025.
• Environmental collaboration remains a strong area of potential engagement, with 68% of
  respondents endorsing joint sustainability efforts, particularly among higher-income and
  educated demographics.
• Cultural exchanges enjoy broad approval, with 76% favouring expanded interactions
  despite diplomatic challenges.
• Global governance and security cooperation remain key areas of alignment, with 71%
  and 76% of respondents, respectively, supporting deeper collaboration on multilateral
  regulatory frameworks and international security initiatives.

• Chinese citizens report high familiarity with the United States, Japan and Russia, but trust
  does not always align, with Russia being the most trusted and the U.S. and Japan ranking
  lowest.
• Social media remains the dominant source of global information across demographics,
  while traditional media such as television and newspapers continue to decline,
  particularly among younger audiences.
• Public confidence in government alignment with the popular will has slightly declined,
  with notable divisions in sentiment among unemployed individuals, university students,
  and mid-sized city residents.