Chinese people believe the United States is the “top threat” facing their country, a poll showed today, with most suspecting the world’s number one economy of trying to “prevent China from becoming an equal power”. A survey by the Washington-based Pew Research Center revealed 45 per cent of Chinese consider US power and influence to be a “major threat” — more than economic instability (35 per cent), climate change (34 per cent) and the Islamic State (15 per cent).