A recent survey by the Pew Research Center reveals shifting global perceptions of the United States and China, suggesting a new balance in views toward these two superpowers. The findings indicate that opinions on China’s leader, Xi Jinping, have improved significantly in various countries, while views of the U.S. and President Donald Trump have declined.
The survey, which included responses from around 30,000 individuals across 25 countries, found that only eight countries viewed the U.S. more favorably compared to China, while seven favored China. The remainder of the surveyed countries had neutral views about both nations. This marks a distinct change from previous years, particularly following the presidency of Joe Biden, when the U.S. enjoyed more favorable international perceptions.
Despite the overall decline in favorability for the U.S., Democratic senators recently criticized the Trump administration for actions perceived as undermining America’s global influence, such as cutting foreign aid programs and restricting visas for international students. In high-income countries surveyed, 35% reported favorable opinions of the U.S., down from 51% the previous year, while positive views of China increased from 23% to 32%.
Notably, public confidence in Trump has plummeted from 53% under Biden to just 24%. In contrast, Xi Jinping has seen a slight uptick in confidence, rising from 17% to 22% among respondents from affluent nations. However, the survey highlights that people in Israel maintain significantly favorable views towards the U.S., with 83% expressing support compared to only 33% for China.
Commenting on these findings, Laura Silver, associate director of research at Pew, suggested that changing perceptions of one superpower can influence the views of another. She noted that concerns about the U.S. being a reliable partner have led some to re-evaluate their stance on China, particularly in light of past criticisms regarding China’s human rights record and pandemic response, which may carry less weight now.
This information underlines the evolving dynamics of international relations and reflects how public opinion can shift in response to political changes and global events. It highlights the need for countries to be mindful of their global image and relationships moving forward, showcasing an opportunity for dialogue and improved collaboration between the U.S. and other nations.