In a historic development that signals a profound transformation in global public opinion, China and President Xi Jinping have surpassed the United States and Donald Trump in favorability ratings across most of the world. According to a comprehensive survey conducted by the Pew Research Center spanning six continents, Beijing now enjoys a more positive image than Washington in 25 out of 36 countries and territories surveyed. This marks the first time in nearly two decades of tracking that China has been viewed more positively than its American counterpart.
A Dramatic Reversal of Fortune
The findings reveal a striking reversal from just three years ago. In 2023, the United States held a commanding lead with 58% favorable views compared to China's 32%. Today, those figures have flipped dramatically: 46% of respondents now view China favorably, while only 36% express positive sentiments toward the United States. Among the 20 countries with comparable data since 2023, this shift represents one of the most significant changes in global public opinion in recent history.
The survey, which polled more than 42,000 people between February 8 and May 13, 2026, captures attitudes during a period marked by escalating geopolitical tensions and controversial American foreign policy decisions. Notably, the polling period encompassed the beginning of the US-led military intervention in Iran, an event that appears to have significantly influenced global perceptions of American leadership.
Regional Patterns Tell a Compelling Story
The geographic distribution of these shifting attitudes reveals important patterns about how different regions perceive the two superpowers. The trend is particularly pronounced across the Asia-Pacific region and the Middle East, where China's economic partnerships and diplomatic approach have resonated with local populations. However, perhaps more surprising are the dramatic shifts among America's traditional allies.
Canada, long considered one of Washington's closest partners, experienced one of the sharpest declines in pro-American sentiment. Favorable views of the United States plummeted from 57% in 2023 to just 33% today, while positive perceptions of China surged from 14% to 44%. This dramatic swing coincided with President Trump's imposition of tariffs on Canadian goods and his repeated suggestions that Canada should become America's "51st state" - remarks that sparked widespread criticism in Ottawa and damaged bilateral relations.
Major European nations including France, Germany, Italy, and Spain also recorded significant shifts toward China. These changes reflect deteriorating ties with Washington during Trump's second term, characterized by ongoing tariff disputes, persistent pressure on NATO allies regarding defense spending contributions, and criticism of Europe's refusal to support the US military campaign in Iran. Additionally, Trump's repeated calls for Denmark to sell Greenland to the United States further strained transatlantic relationships.
Latin America has similarly tilted toward China, with survey results now slightly favoring Beijing over Washington. This shift occurred against the backdrop of Trump's aggressive interventions in the region, including what many observers describe as an effective takeover of Venezuela, threats of military action against Mexico, Colombia, and Cuba, and Pentagon operations targeting vessels in the Caribbean under the pretext of anti-drug enforcement.
Leadership Confidence Remains Low Across the Board
While China has gained ground in overall favorability, the survey found that confidence in both Xi Jinping and Donald Trump remains generally low across most nations. Nevertheless, in 22 countries, respondents expressed greater confidence in the Chinese president than in his American counterpart. This suggests that while neither leader inspires overwhelming enthusiasm, Xi is perceived as the less problematic option by a growing number of international observers.
Laura Silver, Pew's associate director and co-author of the report, provided crucial context for understanding these trends. "Some of the views that we see of the US are at or near historic lows," Silver noted, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of China surpassing the United States in global favorability after nearly twenty years of polling. She attributed part of China's improved standing to its perception as a "reliable partner," particularly following its post-pandemic economic recovery.
However, Silver also identified a direct correlation between declining American favorability and specific policy decisions. "There was just an actual relationship between the outbreak of the war and the sense that the US is just not contributing to peace and stability and that people have less confidence in Donald Trump," she explained. This observation highlights how military interventions and perceived unilateralism can rapidly erode soft power advantages that the United States has traditionally enjoyed.
Areas Where America Still Leads
Despite the overall decline in American favorability, the United States maintains certain advantages in specific categories. The survey found that the US still outperforms China in perceptions of respect for personal freedoms, although the gap between the two nations has narrowed considerably. This finding suggests that while democratic values remain associated with America in the global consciousness, their appeal is diminishing as other concerns take precedence in international public opinion.
The United States continues to lead in favorability ratings in only six nations: Poland, the Philippines, South Korea, India, Japan, and Israel. These countries represent a mix of strategic partners, nations with significant security dependencies on Washington, and states with complex historical relationships with China. Meanwhile, views are roughly evenly divided in five other countries, indicating that the competition for global influence remains contested in several key markets.
Implications for Global Order
This dramatic shift in global public opinion carries significant implications for international relations and the future structure of global governance. For decades, the United States has leveraged its favorable international image as a component of its soft power strategy, complementing its military and economic capabilities. The erosion of this advantage suggests that Washington may find it increasingly difficult to build coalitions, persuade other nations to align with its policies, or maintain its traditional leadership role in international institutions.
China's rising favorability, meanwhile, provides Beijing with enhanced diplomatic leverage and opportunities to expand its influence through economic partnerships, infrastructure investments, and multilateral initiatives. The perception of China as a "reliable partner" could accelerate the adoption of Chinese standards in technology, finance, and trade, potentially reshaping the global economic architecture.
The Chinese Embassy in Washington responded to the survey findings by stating that they "demonstrate that China's governance achievements and development progress are widely recognized." This statement reflects Beijing's confidence in its development model and its belief that the international community is increasingly appreciative of China's approach to global challenges.
The White House did not immediately comment on the survey results, leaving open questions about how the Trump administration plans to address this decline in global standing. Whether through policy adjustments, diplomatic outreach, or continued emphasis on military strength, the administration faces significant challenges in reversing these negative trends.
Looking Ahead
As the world navigates an increasingly multipolar landscape, these survey results serve as a barometer of changing global attitudes toward the two dominant powers. The fact that such a dramatic shift has occurred in just three years underscores the volatility of international public opinion and the speed with which geopolitical dynamics can transform.
For policymakers in both Washington and Beijing, these findings offer valuable insights into the factors that shape global perceptions. Economic reliability, respectful diplomacy, and contributions to international peace and stability appear to matter more to global audiences than traditional markers of power such as military might or ideological promotion.
The coming years will likely see continued competition between the United States and China for global influence, with public opinion serving as both a reflection and a driver of broader geopolitical trends. Whether this moment represents a temporary fluctuation or a lasting realignment of global power remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the era of unquestioned American dominance in global public opinion has ended, and a new chapter in international relations has begun.
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