Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin. Photo: VCG

Spokespersons from the Chinese Foreign Ministry and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) answered questions about why a recent survey showed that Americans' favorable ratings of China have plummeted, saying that the previous US administration had seriously poisoned the public opinion atmosphere of the two countries.

According to a Gallup poll, Americans' favorable ratings of China have plummeted to a record low of 20 percent, following a 13-percentage point drop in favorability from 33 percent a year ago. 

Wang Wenbin, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, said at a routine press conference that "we have noticed some recent polls on China-US ties, and we also noticed that quite a number of American interviewees consider that people-to-people exchanges should remain, and 72 percent of interviewees support the US to actively cooperate with China on climate issues." 

"Chinese people and American people always have friendship. The friendship is the source and important foundation for the two countries to develop their ties. But the previous administration and the anti-China forces of the US have audaciously stigmatized China and deliberately incited confrontations and splits. They have spread the political virus to poison the public opinion atmosphere for the two countries," Wang said.

Recently, China and the US have conducted a series of exchanges, including a  phone call between the leaders, as well as communication between the chief diplomats of the two countries and participation in forums and other activities by  former senior officials, scholars and figures in different fields, Wang said, adding that the two countries should comply with the demands of the two peoples and the expectation of the international community, which is to maintain and increase dialogue and communication in different areas.

Guo Weimin, spokesperson for the fourth session of the 13th National Committee of the CPPCC, at a press conference on Wednesday also answered a question on China's declining national image according to some international polls.

Guo said the reason is complicated as the results might be affected by some foreigners' lack of understanding of China as well as misleading comments by some anti-China politicians. 

For a period of time, some anti-China politicians have been smearing China on issues such as the pandemic, Hong Kong and Xinjiang, fabricating rumors and confusing the public, which might impact some Western people's impression of China, Guo said. 

In this regard, the CPPCC has explained China's position, refuted false statements, and safeguarded our national sovereignty, security and development interests, Guo stressed. 

"As more and more foreigners come to visit China, and China strengthens foreign exchanges and cooperation, I believe that more and more people will like our country and the international community's favorability toward China will continue to rise," Guo said.

Global Times