Authors: Jenne, N., Labarca, C., Montt, M., & Urdinez, F. (2024)
Abstract: This report presents the key findings from the first public opinion survey on China in Chile, conducted by ICLAC in September 2023. The survey, with a sample of 660 participants, revealed a generally favorable opinion of China, influenced by ideological stance and voting patterns in the 2021 presidential elections. Chileans associate China with trade, "Chinese malls," and its economic growth. Although most people consider it important for Chile’s economic partners to be democratic, economic interests appear to take precedence in practice. In regions where the economic impact of China is greater, China is seen more as an opportunity than a risk, and there is a clear desire for the country to avoid becoming entangled in the geopolitical dispute between China and the United States. The Chinese diaspora in Chile is primarily visible through trade, and most interactions with Chinese people are positive. During the pandemic, Chinese vaccines played an important role as an alternative to Western ones, although they are not considered the most desirable among other options. The significant reputational damage China suffered during the pandemic, as observed in previous studies, appears to have been recovered. In conclusion, China's economic relevance and the increase in its commercial presence in Chile have contributed to a generally favorable perception of China in the national public opinion.