A press conference is held to release the results of the 20th Beijing-Tokyo Forum public opinion survey on China-Japan relations in Tokyo, Japan, Dec. 2, 2024. [Photo by Wu Wenqin/CICG]

A recent survey has revealed that more than half of respondents in China and Japan consider the other country a vital economic and trade partner, highlighting the significance of economic cooperation in their bilateral relations. The findings were announced Monday in Tokyo ahead of the upcoming 20th Beijing-Tokyo Forum, co-hosted by China International Communications Group (CICG) and Japan's non-profit think tank Genron NPO.

The survey showed that 51.8% of Chinese respondents and 58% of Japanese respondents recognize each other as major global economies and essential trade partners. Furthermore, 50.8% of Chinese participants acknowledged the high level of economic and industrial interdependence between the two nations. Among Japanese respondents, 65.3% stated that economic cooperation with China is crucial for Japan's future.

The survey was conducted simultaneously in both countries from mid-October to early November 2024, and the Chinese side of the survey was organized by the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies under CICG and conducted by Beijing Dataway Horizon Co Ltd.

Gao Anming, editor-in-chief of China International Communications Group, speaks at the press conference to release the results of the 20th Beijing-Tokyo Forum public opinion survey on China-Japan relations in Tokyo, Japan, Dec. 2, 2024. [Photo by Wu Wenqin/CICG]

Although most respondents had never visited the other country, the number of those who have done so increased compared to last year. Among Chinese respondents, 82.1% reported never visiting Japan, down from 88.6% in 2023. Similarly, 88% of Japanese respondents had not traveled to China, a slight decrease from 88.2% last year.

Regarding non-governmental exchanges, Chinese respondents identified academic communications (39.9%), talent exchanges between private enterprises (38.6%), and non-governmental dialogues aimed at improving bilateral relations and resolving issues (38.1%) as key areas of focus.

The survey also indicated a preference among Japanese respondents for a balanced and neutral foreign policy. 62.2% expressed that Japan should refrain from taking sides between China and the U.S., and instead prioritize global cooperation. This figure sharply contrasts with the 18.7% who believed Japan should focus more on ties with the U.S.

The survey also highlighted a growing support for international collaboration on global challenges. Climate change emerged as the top global concern for respondents in both countries, cited by 24.5% of Chinese participants and 35.8% of Japanese participants. Among Chinese respondents, 56.2% supported enhancing international cooperation to tackle global issues, an increase from 52.8% in 2023.

Chinese respondents primarily relied on domestic news media (75.2%), film and television programs (65.5%), and social platforms (53.9%) for information about Japan and bilateral relations. Notably, mobile devices became the most frequently used medium, with 55.5% accessing news via apps and websites, surpassing television (30.2%) for the first time. Additionally, 56.1% of Chinese respondents indicated that Chinese media plays a positive role in enhancing mutual understanding.

Since its launch in 2005, the Beijing-Tokyo Forum has evolved into a leading platform for public diplomacy and non-governmental exchange between China and Japan. This year's forum, scheduled for Dec. 4–5 in Tokyo, will explore the theme "Restoring peace and rebuilding a global order based on multilateral cooperation through Japan-China cooperation." Experts from both nations will discuss a range of issues, including politics, security, the digital economy and multilateral cooperation, with the goal of fostering closer bilateral ties and addressing shared global challenges.

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