WASHINGTON: A majority of people have expressed an unfavorable view of China, a survey conducted in around 14 countries have shown.

The survey conducted from June 10 to August 3 among 14,276 adults across 14 countries via telephone this year showed an increased negative perception in the world’s advanced countries, especially in Britain and Australia, according to a survey from the Pew Research Center.

As many as 81% people in Australia said they have an unfavorable view of China – an increase of 24 percentage points from last year, a report published by the Associated Press said.

The increase corresponds with tensions in the bilateral relationship after Australia took the lead in calling for an international investigation into the origins of the coronavirus.

Other countries also showed an upward trend, the report said adding that countries with an unfavorable view toward China had 74% in Britain – an increase of 19 percentage points compared to last year, 73% in the US – a rise of 13 points and 71% in Germany — a rise of 15 points.

The countries surveyed were Canada, the US, Denmark, Belgium, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Australia, the UK, Japan and South Korea.

Among others, the most important factors with regard to China’s reputation in other countries has been the coronavirus.

(With inputs from Agencies)