In brief
Pew Research’s latest global survey finds China is now viewed more positively than the United States in 25 out of 36 countries. Favourable opinions of China hit record highs in several nations, whereas U.S. sentiment has weakened over recent years. Confidence in leaders is low for both Xi and Trump, yet Xi generally enjoys higher approval. The study highlights that middle‑income countries tend to favour China, while richer nations remain more critical, with a notable exception in Singapore. Experts caution that rising approval does not erase concerns about China’s authoritarian policies and its global influence.
China now eclipses US in global favourability, study reports
A new Pew Research Center poll shows China is viewed more positively than the United States in 25 of 36 countries surveyed, a first for the organisation.
Overall favourable opinions of China reached record highs in several nations, while U.S. sentiment fell, with respondents rating China higher than former U.S. President Donald Trump but both leaders garnering low confidence scores.
The survey found that in many regions, people believe Beijing interferes less in other countries’ affairs than Washington, though the U.S. still enjoys greater respect for personal freedoms.
Middle‑income countries tended to be more positive about China, whereas richer states displayed more negative views – an exception being Singapore, which showed high approval.
Leadership Confidence
Although confidence in both Xi and Trump was below 50%, many respondents favoured Xi over Trump, with Pakistan rating him 83% and Japan 7%. Trump’s highest rating came from the Philippines (68%) and the lowest from West Bank/East Jerusalem (4%).
The study also noted that 75% of middle‑income respondents felt the U.S. interferes heavily in other countries’ affairs, versus 45% who felt the same about China.
Global Context
The findings echo Gallup’s 2025 polls that placed China above the U.S. in global approval ratings, and reflect a perceived volatility of U.S. policy amid recent wars and leadership changes.
China’s image, while improving, still faces scrutiny over authoritarian leadership and minority treatment, according to experts like Chong Ja Ian.
