China Overtakes the U.S. in Global Favorability, Pew Finds
A new Pew Research Center study reveals a significant shift in global perceptions of major powers: China has surpassed the United States in overall favorability worldwide. According to the survey, conducted across 20 comparable countries, China achieves a median favorability rating of 46%, compared to 36% for the United States—marking a notable reversal from previous years when the U.S. consistently held the lead.
The report, released on July 15, 2026, is based on interviews conducted between February 8 and May 13, covering approximately 42,000 to 45,658 adults across 35 to 37 countries and territories. Beyond general perception, the study also measures confidence in global leaders: Chinese President Xi Jinping registers a median confidence level of 31%, outperforming U.S. President Donald Trump, who stands at 21%.
Regional Gaps and Geopolitical Rebalancing
The findings highlight a clear geographic and economic divide in global opinion. In several middle-income countries—including Indonesia, Pakistan, and multiple Latin American economies—China’s image has improved significantly, reinforcing its influence in key growth regions.
In contrast, advanced economies and countries with geopolitical tensions with Beijing—such as Japan, India, South Korea, the Philippines, Israel, and Poland—continue to show a stronger preference for the United States.
Analysts attribute this shift to a combination of factors: easing pandemic-related concerns has improved perceptions of China, while declining global views of the United States are linked to recent actions by the Trump administration, including tariff policies, high-profile foreign interventions, and the conflict with Iran.
This change in global public opinion could have meaningful implications for alliance structures and influence-building, particularly in strategic regions such as Latin America and Asia, where both China and the United States are competing to expand their economic, political, and technological presence.