While most Australians argue that China's development could be a source of economic strength in Australia, a survey revealed that more than half of Australians consider China as a threat to their economy.

In a recent foreign policy survey conducted by the Australian National University (ANU), it showed that at least 52 percent of Australians view China as an economic threat. This was in reference to China's purchase of real estate and local farm lands in Australia, The Sydney Morning Herald reported.

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However, according to ANU international relations expert Andew Carr, Australians have to understand that they have nothing to fear.

"Buying large amounts of local farms or real estate  is not going to give China a national security weapon to use against Australia," Carr said.

The survey also revealed that Australians viewed China and the United States as equally important to their country's future.

One third of the respondents said China was more important for Australia, while another third said the U.S. was the most important. The other third decided that both countries were equally important for Australia.

According to ANU international relations and politics expert Dr. Jill Sheppard, Australians are "fairly tolerant" towards China. Sheppard told reporters Australians are "more welcoming towards China as a neighbor" compared to American citizens.

The poll also found that 65 percent of Australians think China's development will have a positive impact on the nation, while 30 percent of the respondents consider China's rise as a military threat.

Additionally, the poll revealed that three-fourths of the respondents are in favor of their country providing foreign aid, but only for humanitarian purposes and not if the aid is politically motivated.

The telephone survey of 1204 respondents was conducted by ANU's Social Research Center in May.

TagsAustralia, econimic relations, China-Australia