BEIJING, March 27 (UPI) -- Despite achievements from booming economic growth to space exploration, most Chinese do not regard their country as a superpower yet, a poll indicates.

In a poll of 3,000 residents in 10 Chinese cities, including Beijing and Shanghai, nearly 60 percent said they do not consider China a superpower but said the country should work with international groups and other nations on global issues as a supporter or coordinator rather than as a leader, China Daily reported Thursday.

China's latest achievements include hosting this year's Summer Olympics and plans to launch its Shenzhou VII manned spacecraft.

The survey by Horizon Research said 22 percent of the respondents said China will never become a super power, while another 20 percent said it would take more than 20 years to achieve that status.

Wang Yizhou with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences said the public attitude is a legacy of former leader Deng Xiaoping's reforms three decades ago.

"According to Deng's theory, when it comes to foreign policies, China is to participate, not to lead, not to have enemies," Wang said.

"Labeling China as a superpower is not in line with the country's goals," said Wang Yusheng, an international relations researcher in Beijing.