Among the 15 countries asked about China's future economic prospects in 13 the most common answer is that China will eventually catch up with the United States. This includes 60 percent of Americans and strong majorities in Peru (76%), Israel (75%), France (69%), Iran (64%), and Russia (62%). Across all countries poll, on average 55 percent had this belief.
The Chinese themselves are somewhat skeptical about their country's economic potential. Only 50 percent of Chinese respondents say China's economy will match the US economy. Asked how they would feel if China were to catch up with the United States, publics show little concern. In no country does even a plurality say that this would be mostly negative.
The highest level of concern is in the United States, where one in three is worried. But a majority of Americans (54%) say instead that China's economic rise would be "neither positive nor negative" while another one in ten (9%) say it would be mostly positive. In just one country does a majority say that China catching up would be mostly positive - Iran (60%).
The world's seemingly sanguine view of China's possible economic ascendance does not mean most publics think they can trust Chinese leaders. Ten out of 15 publics polled say they do not trust China "to act responsibly in the world.
