Compare Chinese with Americans: how trait comparisons shape public perception of Sino-US relationship and China policy issues

This study draws on social comparison theory and the spread activation literature to explore the effects of opinions about the personal traits of Chinese and Americans on the United States (US) public's perceptions of the Sino-US relationship. The study also explores how perceptions of the Sino-US relationship predict the perceived importance of various Chinese policy issues. The analyses of the secondary survey data showed that comparisons of positive and negative traits had different effects on public opinion about the Sino-US relationship. The respondents who viewed China as a partner or as a competitor also thought that human rights, the freedom of Tibet, and economic issues were important. Those who viewed China as an enemy believed that the selling of arms to Taiwan was important. The implications of the findings for theory construction and national image campaigns are discussed.