International youth generally recognize the significance of building a global community with a shared future, stated the “China and the World in the Eyes of Overseas Young People” report which was published at the sub-forum “Shared Future and Youth Contribution” at the 9th World Forum on China Studies.

The Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies (ACCWS) conducted a survey in 21countries from May to September 2020, to learn about the image of China and the rest of the world in the eyes of overseas young people.

The survey samples comprised of 4,130citizens aged 18-35 in Australia, Brazil, Chile, France, India, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Russia, South Africa, the United Kingdom, the United States and nine other countries.

From the aspects of personal development, national development, and global governance, the report finds that around half of the respondents recognize the positive significance of building a community with a shared future for mankind. Compared with developed countries, more young people in developing countries recognize the positive impact of building a community with a shared future for mankind.

Overseas youth generally support exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations. 51% of the respondents believe that is an important driving force to promote the progress of human society and the world’s peaceful development.

What’s more, the report finds that overseas youth, those in developing countries in particular, have good impressions of China. Countries where China is scored more than 6 points (out of 10) by youth include: Mexico (7.5 points), Indonesia (7.4), Russia (7.2), Saudi Arabia (6.4), Argentina (6.1), Chile (6.0), Spain (6.0), and Brazil (6.0).

Youth who have a higher level of understanding on China and who have visited China have more positive comments on China’s domestic governance.

Founded in 2004, the World Forum on China Studies has convened thirteen times, and provides the worldwide community of China-focused scholars a biennial platform to share their latest research achievements and strengthen their academic ties of friendly cooperation. This year,“Shared Future and Youth Contribution” marked the first time for the organizers to hold a sub-forum themed around young people under the framework of the World Forum on China Studies, according to Gao Anming, deputy director& editor-in-chief of China International Publishing Group.