Taipei, Taiwan, May 2 — A recent survey conducted by the Carter Center and Emory University has revealed that more than half of the Chinese population opposes using military force to achieve unification with Taiwan, regardless of the circumstances.
The findings, published Wednesday in the report titled “Sovereignty, Security, and US-China Relations: Chinese Public Opinion,” show that 55.1 percent of respondents either fully or somewhat agreed that “the Taiwan issue should not be resolved through force under any circumstances.” In contrast, 24.5 percent expressed disagreement with the statement.
This marks a significant shift from a previous survey conducted in May 2023, where 55 percent of participants had supported military action for Taiwan’s unification. The new results suggest a growing reluctance among the Chinese public to endorse a forceful approach, despite the political tensions surrounding Taiwan.
While a majority of respondents are against forceful unification, the survey revealed that many would still support military action if it were considered the last resort. Only 18.1 percent of those surveyed stated that military action would be unnecessary.
The report also cited polling from Tsinghua University’s Center for International Security and Strategy, which found that 87.6 percent of Chinese respondents believe that the United States is actively working to impede China’s progress. “Chinese public opinion mirrors American sentiments,” the report stated.
In addition to questions about Taiwan, the survey delved into Chinese foreign policy. When asked about the timeframe for resolving the Taiwan issue, the majority of respondents, 33.5 percent, suggested a five-year window.
On China’s stance towards global conflicts, the survey showed strong backing for Russia’s actions in Ukraine, with 66.1 percent of participants agreeing that China should support Russia’s invasion, viewing it as aligned with Beijing’s national interests. Only 5.8 percent opposed this stance.
Regarding China’s relationship with India, 79.7 percent of respondents asserted that Beijing should stand firm on its border claims, even if it risks conflict. Meanwhile, 20.3 percent favored a diplomatic approach to ease tensions.
These findings provide a window into the evolving perspectives of the Chinese public on key geopolitical issues, reflecting a complex balance between national interests and military action.
