In brief
A new Pew Research Center survey shows that in 25 of 36 countries people view China more favourably than the United States, marking the first time this contrast has occurred so widely. While confidence in both leaders remains low, respondents rate Chinese leader Xi higher than U.S. President Donald Trump. The study also highlights differences in perceptions of foreign interference and personal freedoms. These results underline a shifting geopolitical climate that may influence international cooperation on global challenges, including climate change.
A recent Pew Research Center survey has revealed a striking reversal in global attitudes toward the two world powers that has not been seen before. In 25 of 36 countries that were asked, more people expressed favourable views of China than of the United States.
The survey, which polled over 42,000 respondents across 36 countries between February and May, found that confidence in both U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping is low overall, but respondents are more likely to trust Xi than they are to trust Trump. Ratings for Xi ranged from a high of 83 % in Pakistan to a low of 7 % in Japan; Trump’s ratings spanned from 68 % in the Philippines to a low of 4 % in the West Bank/East Jerusalem.
Both leaders are seen as having an impact on world affairs, but public opinion diverges when it comes to interference. About 75 % of respondents in middle‑income countries said the U.S. interferes more than China, whereas 45 % felt China does.
According to the study, the United States is still viewed as more respectful of personal freedoms than China, yet the gap is narrowing. China’s image has seen a steady rise across years, while U.S. approval ratings have dipped, especially during the Trump era and more recently with fluctuating foreign policy decisions.
Countries that saw the most pronounced swing toward China include Spain, Indonesia, Italy, Greece and Canada. Only six nations—Poland, the Philippines, South Korea, India, Japan and Israel—continue to favour the U.S. over China, reflecting strong traditional alliances.
The shift in sentiment comes at a time when global collaboration on climate and environmental challenges is critical. A more favourable perception of China may open new avenues for multilateral action, while the perceived unpredictability of U.S. foreign policy could strain existing partnerships.
These results are the first time Pew has recorded a global preference for China over the United States in so many countries, according to Jonathan Schulman from the research center.
