Transboundary Air Pollution and Public Opinions on Neighbouring Countries: Evidence from South Korea

Air pollution is a transnational phenomenon with the potential to influence public perceptions and international attitudes. This study examines whether fine dust originating from China − particularly in the form of yellow dust − affects South Koreans’ attitudes toward Chinese people. Using an instrumental variable approach to address endogeneity, the analysis finds little evidence of a significant relationship between objective pollution levels and anti-China sentiment. These results remain consistent across multiple model specifications. To interpret these results, the study examines the role of media and political communication in shaping public perceptions, suggesting how subjective attitudes may diverge from objective environmental conditions.