China and the EU have had established diplomatic relations for more than half a century. From the establishment of formal diplomatic relations to the development into a comprehensive strategic partnership, China-EU relations have become one of the most influential bilateral relationships in the world today. Apart from China, from October 16 to November 4, 2025, the Global Times Institute (GTI) conducted a questionnaire survey across 20 EU member states, including Denmark, Sweden, Spain, Belgium, and Germany, using 21 languages such as Spanish, French, German, and Chinese. More than 16,300 valid questionnaires were collected. The survey data shows that a majority of people in both China and EU are interested in each other's cultures, have strong confidence in the future of China-EU economic and trade cooperation, and support enhanced cooperation between China and the EU in global governance.

High level of awareness, willingness to communicate 

This survey shows that, overall, people in China and the EU have a relatively high level of awareness of each other. Nearly 70 percent of Chinese respondents have some degree of understanding of the EU, while more than half of EU respondents indicate that they are aware of or have perceived China's development and changes. In addition, both Chinese and EU respondents hold positive views on the rising global influence of the other side. 

The survey finds that people in both China and the EU express interest in each other's cultures. More than 80 percent of Chinese respondents indicate interest in Western civilization or European culture. More than 70 percent of EU respondents express interest in Eastern civilization or Chinese culture. When asked about the areas of each other's cultures that left the deepest impression, Chinese respondents most frequently cite European architecture, Western cuisine, the arts, and Western philosophy. China and EU generally support the continued strengthening of exchanges and cooperation between the two sides in the cultural field. Support among Chinese respondents exceeds 80 percent, while among EU respondents it is close to 60 percent.

EU public side with China, shuns US blind following

As China-EU relations enter their second half-century since the establishment of diplomatic ties, what perceptions and expectations do people on both sides hold toward each other? Survey data shows that a majority of respondents in both China and the EU view their relationship as either a "cooperation partner" or "cooperation partner and competitor."

Specifically, 63 percent of Chinese respondents described China-EU relations as a mix of "cooperation partner and competitor," while 25 percent described the relations as "cooperation partner." On the EU side, 43 percent of respondents described China-EU relations as "cooperation partner" and 30 percent as "cooperation partner and competitor."

Looking ahead to the future of China-EU relations, 78 percent of Chinese respondents expressed hope for strengthened cooperation or more amicable ties. Meanwhile, 73 percent of EU respondents expected the current relationship to be maintained, or desired closer friendship and enhanced cooperation. In addition, respondents from both China and the EU ranked "US influence and pressure" as the top obstacle to the development of friendly cooperation between the two sides.

The survey also asks Chinese respondents which party - the EU or the US - they trust more in five key areas, namely economic and trade cooperation, formulation of scientific and technological standards and technical rules, environmental protection and climate change response, international security, and promoting the ethical development of AI. Data indicate that the proportion of Chinese respondents who trusted the EU is significantly higher than that for the US in all five areas, with gaps ranging from 19 to 41 percentage points.

Comparison of Cooperation Intention

High hopes for hi-tech, digital economy, and trade cooperation  

China and the EU are each other's second-largest trading partners. When it comes to cooperation and mutual investment areas between the two sides, people from both China and the EU have high expectations for collaboration in the high-tech, digital economy, as well as trade and investment sectors. Additionally, Chinese respondents also show strong interest in cooperation fields such as cross-border tourism and biotechnology, while EU respondents hold high expectations for collaboration in infrastructure construction and new energy.

Survey data indicate that mainstream public opinion in both China and the EU retains strong confidence and high expectations for the future of China-EU cooperation: Over 70 percent of Chinese citizens and nearly 60 percent of EU citizens have full or considerable confidence in the prospects of China-EU trade. Moreover, 75 percent of Chinese respondents and 57 percent of EU respondents agree that China and the EU should strengthen cooperation in multilateral and global affairs in the future, jointly advancing world multipolarity and economic globalization, as well as reforming and improving global governance.

Company：Global Consulting Beijing Company Limited

Contact Person: SHAYNA

Email: 1170530876@qq.com

Website: http://www.globalsurvey.com.cn/

Telephone:18612461366

City：BEIJING