As well, more than 60 percent of Canadians believe the growing importance of China and India as economic powers are more of an opportunity for Canada than a threat, according to the Angus Reid poll.

Some 36 percent of the 2,659 respondents said China holds the most potential for Canadian exports, compared to 28 percent for the United States, Canada's largest trading partner.

Yet only 18 percent of Canadians believe that imported foods from China are safe.

Sixty-six percent of Canadians also said China's growing military might is a threat to the Asia Pacific region, compared to 10 percent two years ago.

And only 37 percent believe China's human rights situation has improved over the past decade, down from 63 percent in a previous survey in 2006.

Some 34 percent said they believe India is a responsible nuclear power.

Meanwhile, 23 percent said Asia's contribution to global warming is the most serious threat to Canada's security, more than great power rivalries (20 percent), failed states (17 percent), terrorism (12 percent), or the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (11 percent).

As well, 76 percent believe Asia's biggest challenge over the next decade will be environmental degradation.

The survey was conducted March 15-20 for the think-tank Asia Pacific Foundation with a 2.0 percent margin of error.

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