Young people in Europe hold broadly positive and pragmatic views of China, particularly regarding trade, technology and cooperation, a new survey showed on Wednesday, highlighting a potential stabilizing force for China–Europe economic ties.

The poll, conducted by French polling firm CSA and released by the Institute of European Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), surveyed nearly 20,000 people aged 18 to 35 across 36 European countries. It found that 82 percent of the respondents held a positive view of China, reflecting a generational outlook increasingly shaped by practical and economic considerations rather than traditional geopolitical narratives.

The survey comes as China–Europe relations show signs of revitalization and renewed interaction. From late 2025 to January 2026, French President Emmanuel Macron, Taoiseach of Ireland Micheal Martin, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited China, discussing trade, climate change and technological innovation. Analysts say these high-level visits underscore the importance of economic cooperation as a stabilizing anchor in bilateral relations.

The report introduced a "China Affinity Index," combining indicators such as direct exposure to China, interest levels, perceptions of influence, overall image, attractiveness and willingness to cooperate. Scores were particularly strong in southeastern Europe and Britain, while northern European countries were more divided but still net-positive.

"The data shows that young Europeans are increasingly associating China with infrastructure delivery, technological progress and commercial capacity," said Yves Del-Fratte, chief executive of CSA.

Feng Zhongping, director of CASS's Institute of European Studies, said deep trade and investment links have given China–Europe relations resilience. "Europe is reassessing its external economic strategy, and China–EU relations are at a turning point," Feng said. "Transforming favorable youth perceptions into practical cooperation is key to ensuring stable and predictable economic ties."

More than 60 percent of the respondents described China–EU relations as cooperative or friendly, with most expressing optimism about the future. 

Experts noted that social media and digital platforms are increasingly shaping perceptions, exposing European youth to China's advances in infrastructure, technology and manufacturing.

"These perceptions matter because this generation will shape Europe's future business, regulatory and investment environment," said Kerry Brown, director of the Lau China Institute at King's College London.

Ivona Ladjevac, deputy director of the Institute of International Politics and Economics in Serbia, called for practical exchange programs and talent pipelines to convert positive sentiment into long-term cooperation. CASS Secretary-General Zhao Zhimin urged institutionalized youth dialogue mechanisms to strengthen people-to-people foundations, supporting more predictable economic engagement.

Researchers said the survey is among the largest recent studies of European youth attitudes toward China, providing a benchmark for future trade, education and technology cooperation.