An online survey has found that more Chinese Internet users prefer Pakistan as a neighbour than India, while Japan ranked as the least popular neighbouring country. More than 200,000 Internet users took part in the survey conducted by the Chinese edition of the state-run tabloid Global Times known for its nationalistic postures.
The users were asked to rank their favourite neighbouring countries, as well as to vote on which country they would choose as an ideal neighbour if they had the power to redraw global borders.
A total of 13,196 people wanted to "move away" from Japan, the highest number of votes polled in a survey seeking their views to select neighbours.
Other countries that were "moved away" include the Philippines (11,671), Vietnam (11,620), North Korea (11,024), India (10,416), Afghanistan (8,506), and Indonesia (8,167), the results published in the daily on Friday said.
"China and India have disputes over 120,000 square kms of land and the two have not signed treaty to settle the border disputes," Sun Lizhou, Deputy Director of the Academy of the World and China Agendas, Southwest University of Political Science and Law, told the Global Times.
India and China have a disputed border stretching up to 3448km. China claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of southern Tibet. The recent initiatives by India and China to improve relations have little effect on Chinese perceptions.
Unsurprisingly majority wants Pakistan often referred as 'all-weather ally' by Chinese leaders and media to remain as a neighbour.