Chinese optimism

The Chinese are generally happy with the direction of their country and economy, according to a poll conducted this spring by the Pew Research Center.

In fact, China displayed the most optimism of 24 countries Pew surveyed this year.

Eighty-six percent of Chinese were happy with the country's direction and 82 percent said the economy was doing well. Just four years ago, only half of the Chinese surveyed displayed those sentiments.

Two of three Chinese gave their government high marks.

Such buoyancy contrasts with recent polling in the United States which reveals much reservation about the country's direction, fears about the economy and profound dismay with government leaders.

Of course, the Chinese are excited about the upcoming Beijing Olympics. More than nine in 10 Chinese predicted that the summer games will be successful and boost China's image abroad. Eight in 10 were personally interested in the Olympics although one-third said too much was being made of them.

However, the Chinese expressed some worries — about rising prices (96 percent); the gap between rich and poor (89 percent); corrupt officials (75 percent) and air pollution (75 percent).

Solid majorities revealed concerns about unemployment, corrupt business people, crime and working conditions.

The Chinese have an inflated view of their country's appeal abroad: three in four say it is viewed favorably when that is true for only seven of 23 other countries surveyed.

And how do the Chinese view the United States? About half see the United States unfavorably, and one-third view America as an enemy.

Let's hope those numbers are more positive next survey.