I visit China frequently for work and feel that the impression most older Americans have of China is incredibly out of touch. The traditional media portrayal of the country is definitely a part of this. Yes, it's certainly an authoritarian state, but this doesn't change whether the people are nice or what they want in life.
I've been once for work. Didn't have an issue with anyone there. I live in Australia now and a few of my friends are Chinese. In fact, I've had 2 Chinese really good friends / best friends