We are pleased to share the Young China Watchers (YCW) 2024 Pulse on China, the fourth edition of our flagship survey capturing perspectives from a global community of early- to mid-career professionals engaged with China. Drawing on responses from over 300 participants across Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America, the survey offers a snapshot of where views on China stood in 2024, reflecting an increasingly complex and polarized global landscape.
This data was collected at a moment shaped by major geopolitical tensions, the post-COVID recalibration of China’s global image, and the rapid rise of transformative technologies such as artificial intelligence. It is also the third edition to track sentiment over time, allowing for deeper insight into how perceptions of China had shifted since our first survey in 2018. Against a backdrop of reduced in-country access, growing digital engagement, and heightened global scrutiny, the findings reflect both continuity and change in how young China watchers interpret China’s role in the world.
Here are a few key takeaways from the 2024 report:
- Views on China were mixed, but slightly less negative overall compared to previous years. While perceptions of China’s global impact were still divided, fewer respondents expressed strongly negative views compared to 2021, suggesting a modest softening in sentiment.
- Confidence in China’s economic and political model declined. Respondents were less optimistic about China’s ability to withstand economic shocks and less likely to view its development model as one worth emulating.
- Technology and climate inspired optimism, while human rights and security concerns persist. Respondents viewed China’s contributions to innovation and climate action more positively, but remained deeply pessimistic about its impact on human rights, peace, and international norms.
- The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) continued to divide opinion. While most agreed it would expand China’s global influence, views on its economic benefits remain polarized across regions.
- National security concerns related to Chinese investment were rising. A growing majority of respondents believed Chinese outward investment to have at least some impact on national security in their respective countries.
- Media and public narratives about China were widely seen as unfair. A strong majority of respondents believed that both media coverage and public opinion on China were biased, a perception consistent across regions.
- Top issues shaping perceptions had shifted significantly. Economic development, peace and security, and technology and innovation dominated, reflecting changing global priorities and the growing importance of AI and geopolitical tensions.
- China was expected to remain the dominant force in the Asia-Pacific. Most respondents anticipated that China would be the most influential actor in the region over the next five years.
More broadly, the 2024 Pulse highlights a community that approached China with both cautious optimism and deep skepticism. While some perceptions warmed, particularly around China’s global responsibility and climate efforts, others hardened, especially in areas tied to governance, security, and societal trends. The result shows a global outlook that is both nuanced and highly fragmented across the organization.
As in previous editions, the report also underscored the personal and professional impact of global perceptions of China, including concerns about bias, representation, and the credibility of China-focused expertise.
More detailed insights, including regional comparisons and time-series analysis, can be found in the full 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.