Chinese Public Perceptions of the U.S.

Jian (Jay) Wang, Director of the USC Center on Public Diplomacy, has recently authored a chapter on Chinese perceptions of the U.S. as part of a new book on America's public image abroad. In his piece, “America’s Standing in China: Chinese Attitudes Toward the United States,” Wang evaluates public perceptions of the U.S., emphasizing the contrast between Chinese reactions to U.S. foreign policy and U.S. society. Although the Chinese public largely disapproves of America’s global role, especially its perceived containment attempts at China, they tend to admire U.S. values, business practices, and culture. Most interestingly, Wang argues that the shifts in Chinese perception of the U.S. in the 21^st century have been more influenced by the domestic situation in China rather than U.S. policies themselves.

The book, U.S. Foreign Policy and Global Standing in the 21st Century, is part of a series in International Security Studies. It examines the effects of George W. Bush and Barack Obama’s foreign policies on international perceptions of the United States. Past debates on U.S. grand strategy and the possibility of relative decline have focused on the nadir of American popularity under President Bush, but this book also takes a look at the Obama administration, arguing that although U.S. popularity has recovered, America’s credibility has only deteriorated further. The volume is available here.

Photo by Quinn Dombrowski I CC 2.0