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BERLIN, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- The German people have a predominantly positive image of China and take its economic rise more as an opportunity than a threat, according to a survey published Friday by the Bertelsmann Foundation.
In response to increasing international competition, Germany should work more closely with China, the foundation said in releasing the survey.
As one of the most influential policy think tanks in Germany, the foundation commissioned polling firm TNS Emnid to conduct the survey among 1,001 interviewees in September on German people's attitude towards a rising Asia.
It showed the majority of them hold a positive view on the development in China and Asia as a whole. Fifty percent believe the economic rise of Asia is more of an opportunity for Germany.
Within major Asian countries, China ranks as the most important country for Germany, the survey found.
Although most Germans view China as a major competitor in raw materials and energy consumption, as well as in the development of innovative products, 69 percent of interviewees see China as an important market for German products, and 62 percent consider China an important political partner in Asia, according to the survey.
In addition, 55 percent of the respondents said China was a powerful investor in the fight against the euro crisis.
Professor Gu Xuewu, director of the Center for Global Studies at Bonn University, said the survey indicated more and more German people accepted the fact of China's rise and believed cooperation with China had a bearing on Europe's development.
"This is a very positive development. On the one hand, it indicates that the German government's future policy of further cooperation with China will win more public support," Gu told Xinhua, "On the other hand, it shows German people firmly believe China has become a great nation with important influence on the global stage."
Facing Asia's rising economic and political strength, the German people favor cooperation rather than confrontation, with two out of five Germans favor closer cooperation with Asia, the survey found.
It also said 41 percent of the population wants their country to continue its current policy and only 18 percent want to emphasize German interests more heavily.
"The Germans see the world with open eyes," foundation chairman Aart de Geus said. "They look at Asia with a mixture of admiration, respect and concern for their own future."
But the German people have great confidence in overcoming possible challenges posed by Asia's rise, with 80 percent of interviewees optimistic Germany will manage the associated political and economic challenges.
"Many people believe the 21st century is a century of Asia, which is indeed a fact," foundation project manager Cora Francisca Jungbluth said. "So Germany should deepen its economic and political cooperation with major Asia countries, especially with China."
Most Germans see China as political, economic partner: survey - Xinhua | English.news.cn
In response to increasing international competition, Germany should work more closely with China, the foundation said in releasing the survey.
As one of the most influential policy think tanks in Germany, the foundation commissioned polling firm TNS Emnid to conduct the survey among 1,001 interviewees in September on German people's attitude towards a rising Asia.
It showed the majority of them hold a positive view on the development in China and Asia as a whole. Fifty percent believe the economic rise of Asia is more of an opportunity for Germany.
Within major Asian countries, China ranks as the most important country for Germany, the survey found.
Although most Germans view China as a major competitor in raw materials and energy consumption, as well as in the development of innovative products, 69 percent of interviewees see China as an important market for German products, and 62 percent consider China an important political partner in Asia, according to the survey.
In addition, 55 percent of the respondents said China was a powerful investor in the fight against the euro crisis.
Professor Gu Xuewu, director of the Center for Global Studies at Bonn University, said the survey indicated more and more German people accepted the fact of China's rise and believed cooperation with China had a bearing on Europe's development.
"This is a very positive development. On the one hand, it indicates that the German government's future policy of further cooperation with China will win more public support," Gu told Xinhua, "On the other hand, it shows German people firmly believe China has become a great nation with important influence on the global stage."
Facing Asia's rising economic and political strength, the German people favor cooperation rather than confrontation, with two out of five Germans favor closer cooperation with Asia, the survey found.
It also said 41 percent of the population wants their country to continue its current policy and only 18 percent want to emphasize German interests more heavily.
"The Germans see the world with open eyes," foundation chairman Aart de Geus said. "They look at Asia with a mixture of admiration, respect and concern for their own future."
But the German people have great confidence in overcoming possible challenges posed by Asia's rise, with 80 percent of interviewees optimistic Germany will manage the associated political and economic challenges.
"Many people believe the 21st century is a century of Asia, which is indeed a fact," foundation project manager Cora Francisca Jungbluth said. "So Germany should deepen its economic and political cooperation with major Asia countries, especially with China."
Most Germans see China as political, economic partner: survey - Xinhua | English.news.cn
