Ottawa, Apr 25: A majority of Canadians (67%) believe the influence of China and India in the world will rival that of the US within the next decade, said a survey today.

As well, more than 60% of Canadians believe the growing importance of China and India as economic powers are more of an opportunity for Canada than a threat, according to the Angus Reid poll. Some 36% of the 2,659 respondents said China holds the most potential for Canadian exports, compared with over 28% for the US, Canada's largest trading partner.

Yet only 18 per cent of Canadians believe that imported foods from China are safe. Sixty-six per cent of Canadians also said China's growing military might is a threat to the Asia Pacific region, compared to 10% two years ago. And only 37% believe China's human rights situation has improved over the past decade, down from 63% in a previous survey in 2006.

Some 34% said they believe India is a responsible nuclear power. Meanwhile, 23% said Asia's contribution to global warming is the most serious threat to Canada's security, more than great power rivalries (20%), failed states (17%), terrorism (12%), or the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (11%).

As well, 76% believe Asia's biggest challenge over the next decade will be environmental degradation. The survey was conducted between March 15-20 for the think-tank Asia Pacific Foundation with a 2% margin of error.

—AFP

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