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SUMMARY: A new Pew Research Center survey finds that more countries now view China more favorably than the United States, reflecting changing global perceptions and shifting geopolitical influence. This represents a key global briefing verified by the VERITY newsroom.
A new global survey by the Pew Research Center suggests that China is now viewed more positively than the United States across much of the world, marking a historic shift in international public opinion.
The study, based on responses from more than 42,000 people across 36 countries, found that 25 countries now hold a more favorable view of China than of the United States. This is the first time since Pew began tracking global attitudes in 2002 that China has outperformed the US in so many countries.
The findings reflect changing perceptions of global leadership, international influence, and foreign policy as both nations continue to compete for geopolitical and economic dominance.
The survey highlights several important trends shaping global opinion.
These results indicate a significant shift in how people around the world perceive the two global superpowers.
Several countries recorded substantial improvements in their opinion of China.
Among them are:
According to the survey, these countries showed some of the strongest increases in positive attitudes toward Beijing compared to previous years.
Despite China's gains, a small group of countries continues to view the United States more positively.
These include:
Most of these nations are long-standing strategic or military allies of the United States.
The Asia-Pacific region showed the widest differences in opinion.
According to the survey:
This highlights the strong diplomatic relationship between Pakistan and China while also reflecting ongoing geopolitical tensions between China and Japan.
The Pew survey also measured confidence in world leaders to make the right decisions regarding international affairs.
Overall findings show:
Researchers noted that opinions about Trump tend to be much stronger—both positive and negative—than opinions about Xi Jinping.
Although respondents generally believe the United States protects personal freedoms more effectively than China, that advantage appears to be shrinking.
The survey indicates that people increasingly distinguish between:
While many still associate the US with democratic values, China's improving international image has narrowed the perception gap.
One of the most notable findings concerns foreign policy.
Among respondents in several middle-income countries:
This suggests many people see Beijing as taking a less interventionist approach to international relations than Washington.
Experts believe several factors have contributed to China's growing popularity.
China continues expanding infrastructure and investment projects through international partnerships, particularly across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Many analysts argue that China is viewed as a more consistent international actor compared to recent shifts in US foreign policy.
Advancements in:
have strengthened China's global reputation.
China has invested heavily in education, cultural exchanges, media, tourism, and diplomatic partnerships to improve its international image.
Several developments may have contributed to declining global perceptions of the United States.
These include:
Researchers note that recent global events have caused many countries to reassess their relationships with major world powers.
Political analysts believe the survey reflects broader geopolitical changes rather than a sudden shift in public opinion.
Experts suggest many countries now view China as:
However, they also emphasize that favorable views of China do not necessarily indicate approval of its political system or domestic governance.
Many respondents continue expressing concerns about issues such as human rights, media freedom, and political openness.
The survey suggests international public opinion is becoming more balanced between the world's two largest powers.
For policymakers, businesses, and investors, these changing perceptions could influence:
As competition between Washington and Beijing continues, public opinion may play an increasingly important role in shaping international cooperation.
The latest Pew Research survey highlights an important shift in global public opinion. For the first time, China enjoys a more favorable image than the United States across a majority of surveyed countries.
While the US continues to be viewed as stronger on issues such as personal freedoms, China's growing economic influence, diplomatic engagement, and expanding global presence have significantly improved its international reputation.
As geopolitical competition between the two superpowers continues, future public opinion surveys will provide valuable insight into how global attitudes evolve in an increasingly multipolar world. [ Learn More](https://veritynewspaper.com/)
The research was conducted by the Pew Research Center, a non-partisan research organization based in the United States.
The survey included more than 42,000 respondents across 36 countries.
According to the survey, 25 out of 36 countries expressed more favorable views of China than the United States.
Pakistan recorded one of the highest favorable ratings for China, with approximately 90% of respondents holding a positive opinion.
No. The findings reflect changing public perceptions, not changes in economic size, military strength, or global leadership.
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