At least 25% of Americans and Chinese seem to tacitly agree that there is a mutually hostile relationship between the two countries, according to a Pew report. (Photo/CNS)

A report published by the Washington-based Pew Research Center on Oct. 16 states that US-style democracy is supported by half of China's public.

For the past four years, the domestic quality of life has become a rising issue for people in China, according to the Pew Global Attitudes Project. Xi Jinping, the country's leader-in-waiting who will take over after the upcoming 18th National Congress, will face new challenges on the issue, with the Communist Party becoming increasingly aware of the seriousness of issues like corruption in the public eye.

While Mitt Romney, the US Republican presidential candidate, declared that he will label China a "currency manipulator" on the first day of his presidency if elected, the Chinese nationals interviewed by Pew have very different views towards the United States.

Among the 3,000 Chinese nationals interviewed, 52% of them said that they support the US idea of democracy. This is a small increase from 48% in 2007, according to the report. Although 36% of them rejected the American way of democracy five years ago, only 29% of the interviewees chose the same option this time.

The research also indicates that nearly 25% of Chinese citizens believe that China and the United States are hostile towards each other. This is 8% more than the survey made in 2010. Only 38% of them have confidence in the Obama administration.

While 60% of the interviewees consider inflation their top concern, 50% of them blamed corrupt officials as a major national problem. The gap between rich and power is the third biggest problem, say 41% of the interviewees.

In a similar report published by the center on Sept. 18, two out of three Americans said they believe the United States has a good relationship with China. Even though 55% of the Americans polled believe it is necessary for Washington to solidify the relationship, nearly 66% of them considered China a major competitor.