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John, Hong Kong / Shenzhen:
"I am a British citizen who lives and is a resident in both Hong Kong and China, splitting time between each at around 50/50. What I do find amazing is the perception of China in the media by people who have never even been to the place. I have seen the changes here in the past few years and as mentioned 'oppression' is not a major part of everyday life as portrayed. People should come here first and then make comment. All we hear in the media is the same as we heard about USSR, Japan, etc many years ago..."

Natalie, Hong Kong:
"I agree that there are many aspects of China that still needs great improvements - respect for its own diversity, mannerism, democracy, etc; but it is unfair and naive for outsiders to simply judge without visiting China, and without knowing its history and culture."

Shen, Singapore:
"Some Westerners have a kind of inborn prejudice when they face orient cultures and societies. They confuse all orient cultures together from a European heliocentric point of view. How many of those people who criticise China hysterically have travelled in China themselves? Please comment on Chinese government's Tibet policy after you visit Lhasa. The gate is open to all of you."

The point of the poll was to gauge opinions of China around the world - well-informed or not. But we also attempted to analyse the real changes that have taken place through two films by the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳'s former Beijing Correspondent . These drew heavily on his own extensive personal experience and knowledge of the country. He was clearly amazed by how freely he was allowed to move around the country but remained unconvinced that those freedoms would be extended to ordinary Chinese.

Yes, our values will inevitably inform our reporting of China but is that really something that should be resisted? What do you think?