Happier China, unhappy West

A recent Pew survey suggests Chinese people are upbeat about the future direction of their nation. In 2002, only 48 percent of Chinese people surveyed were "satisfied" with it; today, 86 percent are.

In 2002, 52 percent rated the Chinese economy as "good"; today, 82 percent do. Although many respondents recognize that China's "traditional way of life is getting lost" as it leaps to gleaming modernity, 71 percent said they like the "pace of modern life". Only 3 percent think China's global economic influence is negative.

Ninety-six per cent of respondents think the Olympics will be successful and 79 percent describe the Games as "important to me personally". Chinese people know their country has problems - rising prices, the rich/poor gap, corrupt officials, pollution and unemployment - but they seem generally, and inspiringly, optimistic about the future. Good for them.