Abstract
ABSTRACT This study explores how China’s increased economic influence shapes its image among foreign audiences. Specifically, it examines the effect of trade relationship with China on the perception of China. A systematic analysis of the data from recent three waves of the Asia Barometer Survey (ABS) consistently shows that, at the country-level, trade exposure to China is associated with a less favorable public view of China. At the individual level, the authors find that trade exposure weakens the positive relationship between individuals’ assessment of the domestic economic situation and their perception of China. Meanwhile, political factors such as individuals’ political orientation and regime difference correlate with a negative image of China, and trade relationship cannot mitigate this “soft power deficit.” In short, trade relationship does not help promote a positive image of China.
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