Those who liked Americans but not particularly and those who like them made up 66 per cent, while 20.9 per cent disliked them and 13 per cent were not sure. Also, about 70 per cent were satisfied with Sino-US relations.

The survey was conducted by the Global Times a publication of leading Chinese newspaper People's Daily in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing and Wuhan by random house-to-house interviews in February. It collected valid samples from 1,175 people.

Nearly half the respondents regard the United States as a friendly country, an example to emulate and a partner 10.4 per cent, 11.7 per cent and 25.6 per cent respectively.

However, the US is still seen as a rival by half as 49.2 per cent believe it is a competitor.

About three in five said "yes" to whether the United States is striving to contain China, and the same number believe that the Taiwan question would shape Sino-US relations.

Most interviewees had a positive attitude towards Sino-US trade ties, with two in three saying it stimulated China's economic progress and half believing it promoted reforms in China.

About half the respondents did not discriminate against American products and another 25 per cent who like made-in-US products said they believed trade benefits two countries.

And how did they form their opinions about the United States?

About 63 per cent through mass media and 21 per cent from American movies, with only 4 per cent through direct contact with Americans.