A new survey published by Arab Barometer, a Princeton University-affiliated non-partisan quantitative research institute, reveals increasingly favorable public perceptions of China in many countries throughout the Middle East and North Africa.
“In nine of 12 countries surveyed as part of the Arab Barometer’s fifth wave, roughly half or more favor stronger economic relations with China,” said the group’s director, Dr. Michael Robbins.
“Overall, the survey results find that China is the most popular global power in MENA, with citizens being more open to stronger ties than they are with the U.S. or Russia,” he added.
Key Highlights From the Arab Barometer Survey on MENA Public Opinion Towards China
- CHINA IS POPULAR AMONG ELITES: “Chinese investment is especially welcomed by elites across the region. Those with a university degree are, on average, significantly more supportive of closer economic relations with China than those with a secondary degree or less.”
- CHINA IS MORE POPULAR THAN THE U.S.: “The survey results find that China is the most popular global power in MENA, with citizens being more open to stronger ties than they are with the U.S. or Russia. On average, those living in MENA are 13 points more likely to favor closer economic ties with China than the U.S.”
