A Global Times poll has found that while a majority of respondents are optimistic about the future international environment for China, 80 percent do not consider the country to have already attained the status of "world power."

Bilateral relations with the US, Japan, and Russia are the top three influential relationships for China, according to a survey released Sunday by Global Times' Global Poll Center. More than half the respondents had a positive view of Sino-US relations, though many agreed that the US pivot toward Asia and its efforts at strategic containment of China are holding relations back.

The survey indicated the Chinese people have a dimmer view of Sino-Japanese relations, as nearly 70 percent of those surveyed chose Japan's so-called nationalization of the Diaoyu Islands as the most significant global event in 2012.

The survey, conducted through phone calls and the Internet, collected responses from 1,404 residents above 15 years old and from seven Chinese cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Changsha.

According to previous Global Times surveys over the past seven years, Sino-US relations have been considered the most influential bilateral relations for China, with 74.6 percent of the respondents agreeing this year, although its significance has seen a noticeable decrease from 2010 to 2012. Around 34 percent of the respondents think Sino-US relations have become tenser during US President Barack Obama's term over the past four years.

Some 53 percent of the respondents think positively of Sino-US relations despite agreeing that certain issues, such as the US containment of China, business and trade frictions, the Taiwan question and disputes on yuan exchange rates, have been affecting relations.

"The Chinese public show reasonable judgment of China's relations with other major countries. The two countries need to seek peaceful coexistence and mutual prosperity in the region," said Zhou Qi, a researcher with the Institute of American Studies under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. The survey revealed a maturing attitude by the Chinese public toward Sino-US relations, Zhou told the Global Times.

The report showed that most of the respondents had pessimistic expectations of Sino-Japanese relations, with less than 24 percent expecting an improved relationship. Some 38 percent thought the relationship would stay as it is now, and another 33 percent believed it would get worse.

"The Chinese public is a little overly concerned about Sino-Japanese relations, since it's normal for major countries to have tensions and confrontations," said Ding Yifan, a researcher with the Development Research Center of the State Council. Ding told the Global Times that the future of the two countries will witness both cooperation and tension side by side, and he said he believes the tensions will not spin out of control or escalate into confrontation or the use of force.

While some 38 percent surveyed remain optimistic on China's surrounding environment, more than half still think disputes over the South China Sea and US involvement in the issue are affecting China's relations with ASEAN countries.

Despite all the pressure and frictions China faces, some 81 percent of the respondents said the country will have a favorable international environment for its future development, while some 57 percent expect the country to encounter growing friction in the process.

China is not yet a global power to over 80 percent of the respondents, although many agree that the country has got what it takes to become one in regard to economic and military development.

"Being a world power is not about how many aircraft carriers it has. It's more about demonstrating a humble, elegant, confident image on a global platform," said Zhu Feng, a professor with the School of International Studies at Peking University. He said China's overall national strength has ensured it has become one of the world's greatest powers, but that does not mean China has earned international respect.

Around 57 percent chose China as their "favorite country."

The US was listed as the second best country and the most desirable country for those wishing for an experience abroad.

"It's good to see a growing patriotism and recognition among Chinese for their motherland, but we cannot deny that the US does have an appeal to some. For example, it does a better job at democracy and law enforcement," said Zhu, adding that some might not know the US well enough.