World unimpressed with Xi Jinping on human rights, but overall views of China positive: Pew report
Overall global impressions of China more favourable than not, but confidence in Xi varies greatly between China and rest of world
China has invested billions of dollars to project its soft power, through English-language media and the promotion of its national language around the world, but the research suggests that Beijing has its work cut out trying to convince the world of its intentions.
While more than 90 per cent of Chinese had confidence in Xi, who assumed the reins of state power last year, that dropped to just 28 per cent in the United States and just six per cent in Japan, the Pew Research Center said.
"Xi ... so far has failed to make a strong positive impression on global publics. Overall, ratings for Xi are more negative than positive, while at the same time many are unfamiliar with the Chinese leader," it said.
Xi has overseen a sweeping crackdown on corruption, but has also ramped up pressure on dissidents and other activists.
More broadly, global impressions of China were on balance more favourable than unfavourable, with the country's economic growth generally seen as a good thing in most countries surveyed, the Washington-based group said.