We are pleased to announce the YCW 2019 Pulse, Young China Watchers’ second report of views from a global community of professionals engaged with China. We welcome you to view the report and share it among your network.
2019 was a significant year for China with numerous anniversaries celebrated in China and around the world, most notably the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Today, China’s role in the world is increasingly scrutinized on issues such as trade and investment, technology, and health.
Here are a few key takeaways:
- Views are increasingly polarized and negative about China’s influence, especially toward its domestic and external policies. The survey records a 26% swing in net sentiment toward China’s impact on global affairs, from 9% net positive in 2018 to 15% net negative in 2019.
- Respondents are most positive about China’s global economic impact but are less positive about other countries adopting aspects of China’s model.
- Concerns about the impacts of China’s economic influence on national security and the environment are top of mind for respondents.
- Domestically, respondents exhibit declining confidence in China’s ability to meet economic and policy goals over the next 5 years.
- Overall, respondents demonstrate a trend toward less neutrality and more negative sentiment.
- The report highlights differing sentiments across its chapters with Asia-Pacific overall being more positive than North America.
More detailed insights can be found in the report, including analyses that further illuminate how different regions are interpreting China’s global role. This year we have also been able to include a time series for the first time, comparing the results with those from 2018.
Click here to read 2019 YCW Pulse Report
About YCW
Young China Watchers (YCW) is a dynamic group of China-focused young professionals. Through regular roundtables and talks with senior figures in the China academic, policy and business communities, it provides a chance for engaged individuals to interact and discuss the most pressing issues emerging from China today. Through our growing global network, we seek to foster the next generation of China thought-leaders.
YCW runs an open membership policy, keen to attract all China-engaged, knowledgeable and policy-interested individuals. Our purpose is to nurture a new community of people focused on and alert to China’s growing importance in international affairs.


