Military threat?

Most interviewees were confident about China's military strength and 76 percent said China could protect itself against foreign attacks. However, over 66 percent expressed concerns about China's security situation and said the country faces military threats from major powers.

Meanwhile, the public tend to support the country's wishes to set up overseas military bases, with 47 percent backing the idea. And younger people or those with higher incomes were more positive.

Zhang Shengjun, however, argued that such feelings are overplayed and are triggered by recent conflicts between China and the US over South China Sea and US-South Korea drills in the Yellow Sea.

"It is not a real military threat yet. We should say the US is trying to contain or exert pressure on China," Zhang said.

Meanwhile, 55 percent of the participants believe that Taiwan island and the mainland will be united in 20 years, while the well educated and those with a high income said it would happen after 40 years.

Shen Dingli said the view represents an emotional reaction from the public and lacks understanding of a complicated national situation.