"How Can We Trust China?" 7 Out of 10 Citizens Do Not Trust China

Barun Media Citizens' Action Poll
Ambassador Xing Haiming's Remarks... 74% "Inappropriate"

Amid escalating tensions between South Korea and China following remarks by Xing Haiming, the Chinese Ambassador to South Korea, a survey revealed that more than 7 out of 10 citizens do not trust China.

According to a public opinion poll conducted on the 18th by the Korea Public Opinion & Reputation Institute (KOPRA) commissioned by Barun Media Citizens' Action, targeting adult men and women aged 18 and older, 76% responded that they do not trust China as a strategic partner of South Korea. Only 20% said they trust China.

Representative Lee Jae-myung and Chinese Ambassador Xing Haiming. Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers [Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding Ambassador Xing’s statement to Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, that “betting on the side where the US wins and China loses in the US-China competition will lead to regret,” 74% responded that the remark was inappropriate. Twenty percent said it was an appropriate statement.

When asked what measures the South Korean government should take against Ambassador Xing, 43% said a strong warning should be issued, the highest response rate.

Other opinions included 22% who said he should be expelled, 19% who said no action was necessary, and 9% who said the response should depend on the Chinese government’s judgment.

Regarding Democratic Party lawmakers visiting China upon invitation from the Chinese government, 45% responded that it was an inappropriate action that could go against the government’s diplomatic stance, while 43% said it was an appropriate action as independent diplomatic activity by the main opposition party.

In a favorability survey by country toward the United States, Japan, North Korea, China, and Russia, the United States ranked highest at 51%. This was followed by China at 8%, Japan at 6%, North Korea at 5%, and Russia at 3%.

Regarding voting rights for foreigners residing in South Korea for more than three years, 63% responded that voting rights should be granted only to foreigners from countries that grant voting rights to Koreans. Twenty-three percent said voting rights should be granted to foreigners from all countries regardless of Korean voting rights.

This survey was conducted with 1,036 respondents using a wireless random digit dialing (RDD) automated response system (ARS). The sampling error is ±3.0 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.