China National Image: Think tank: Overall image found to improve globally in 2017

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Taking an annual look at the country's national image, a top Chinese think tank has asked people in 22 nations to report on their impressions of China. Results from the 2017 survey were handed out Friday in Beijing. Sun Ye has the report.

The survey found China's global image is steadily improving. Though scoring just a little above 6 on a scale of 10, it's still a MAJOR step ahead compared with 2011.

CHENG MANLI, DIRECTOR NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION, PEKING UNIVERSITY "This is not at all surprising. People are experiencing Chinese contributions. Especially now that last year has seen China delivering ACTUAL benefits to outsiders, for example, those along the Belt and Road route."

But the report also found a higher level of concern among those who fear Chinese enterprises' going-out would challenge local enterprises. The figure grew 10 percent from the last survey.

CHENG MANLI, DIRECTOR NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION, PEKING UNIVERSITY "It's natural to fear for competition. But it's still a case of seeing is believing. When these people really get a feel of the boost and synergy Chinese companies and their projects bring them, attitudes will change."

SUN YE BEIJING "The survey reached more than 10,000 people worldwide. And it found that the younger the interviewees are, the MORE likely they hold China in a favorable light."

Researchers credit this to their willingness to adjust biases, more engagement with cultural and personal exchanges and better access to information.

SHI ANBIN, PROFESSOR SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM AND COMMUNICATION, TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY "Before, people would rely a lot on western media who have their own take on China. But now they have more, neutral choices."

The report also found that high-speed railway remains China's best known technological invention. And the best-known Chinese brands are LENOVO, Huawei, and Alibaba, all coming from the high-tech and IT sector.

And the place most people hope to travel to is still here in Beijing. Sun Ye, CGTN, BJ