Two reports released by the Pew Research Center on July 15, 2026, indicate a significant shift in global perceptions, with China now viewed more favorably than the United States in a majority of surveyed nations. The first report, titled "People in Many Countries Now View China More Positively Than the U.S. " surveyed 42,151 adults across 36 countries between February 8 and May 13, 2026. This study found that China received more positive ratings than the United States in 25 of those countries. Conversely, the United States drew stronger favorability ratings than China in only six nations. A second report, "Views of China and Xi Are Improving Globally," covered 45,658 respondents in 37 countries, including the United States, during the same survey period.
Global Favorability Trends
Across 20 countries surveyed annually between 2023 and 2026, the median favourable rating of the United States decreased from 58 per cent in 2023 to 36 per cent in 2026. During the same period and across the same 20 nations, China’s median favourable rating rose from 32 per cent to 46 per cent.
Specific shifts were observed in individual nations. In Canada, 57 per cent of respondents viewed the United States favourably in 2023, while only 14 per cent held a positive opinion of China. By 2025, ratings for both the U.S. And China were similar among Canadian respondents. In 2026, 44 per cent of respondents in Canada expressed a favourable view of Beijing, compared with 33 per cent for Washington.
Across all 37 countries covered by the second Pew Research Center report, a median of 51 per cent held a favourable opinion of China. Conversely, 39 per cent viewed the country negatively. In a separate finding, 39 per cent of respondents stated that the American Government respects its citizens’ rights.
Regional and National Comparisons
Regional findings from the Pew Research Center reports indicated significant favorability for China in several nations. In Pakistan, 90 per cent of respondents expressed a favorable opinion of China, while only 15 per cent viewed the United States positively. Southeast Asian nations also showed strong positive sentiment towards China. In Malaysia, 75 per cent of respondents viewed China favorably. Similarly, 73 per cent of respondents in Singapore held a favorable view of China. Indonesia recorded 72 per cent of respondents viewing China favorably, matching the 72 per cent in Sri Lanka. In Thailand, 69 per cent of respondents expressed a favorable opinion of China. Bangladesh also showed China receiving a 56 per cent favorable rating among respondents.
African nations demonstrated varied but generally positive views of China, often surpassing or closely rivaling the United States. In Nigeria, 78 per cent of respondents held a favorable view of China, compared with 63 per cent who viewed the United States positively. Kenya’s data showed China receiving a 76 per cent favorable rating, against 63 per cent for the United States. In South Africa, China recorded a 52 per cent favorable rating, compared with 35 per cent for the US. Ghana presented a different pattern, where 68 per cent of Ghanaians viewed the United States favorably, while 64 per cent expressed a positive opinion of China.
Conversely, some nations continued to show low favorability towards China. Only 11 per cent of Japanese respondents viewed China favorably, indicating a persistent regional difference in sentiment. These national comparisons highlight the diverse global landscape of public opinion regarding the two major powers. The data points to a pattern of stronger Chinese favorability in parts of Asia and Africa, contrasting with lower favorability in other regions, including some developed nations. The reports offer a granular view of how different populations perceive China and the United States, illustrating the complexity of global geopolitical attitudes. The variations across countries suggest that local political, economic, and cultural factors likely influence public sentiment.
Confidence in Leaders and Partnership
Confidence in President Xi Jinping’s ability to act appropriately in global affairs reached its highest point in Pakistan, where 83 per cent of respondents expressed this view. Similar levels of confidence in President Xi Jinping were recorded in Kenya at 73 per cent, Singapore at 67 per cent, and Malaysia at 66 per cent. Nigeria and Indonesia both showed 62 per cent confidence in President Xi Jinping, while Bangladesh registered 61 per cent.
When comparing leaders, respondents in 22 of the 36 countries where both leaders were assessed expressed greater confidence in President Xi Jinping than in Donald Trump. In South Africa, 46 per cent expressed confidence in President Xi Jinping, compared with 26 per cent for Donald Trump. President Xi Jinping also led Donald Trump by 10 percentage points in confidence ratings in Kenya. In Ghana, President Xi Jinping maintained a two-point lead over Donald Trump in confidence ratings. Conversely, in Israel, 66 per cent of respondents expressed confidence in Donald Trump, while only 10 per cent held the same view of President Xi Jinping. Across 17 middle-income countries, a median of 69 per cent of respondents described China as a reliable partner. This figure contrasts with 49 per cent who considered the United States a reliable partner.
Perceptions of Global Contributions
Fifty-eight per cent of respondents believed China contributes to peace and stability globally, while 40 per cent held that view of the United States. Fifty-seven per cent indicated that China considers the interests of countries like theirs when making international policy decisions, compared with 42 per cent for the United States. In specific African nations, 88 per cent of Kenyans described China as a reliable partner, as did 76 per cent in Nigeria, 72 per cent in South Africa, and 69 per cent in Ghana.
Regarding contributions to global peace and stability, 68 per cent in Ghana, 67 per cent in Kenya, 65 per cent in Nigeria, and 64 per cent in South Africa believed China contributes positively. Across 17 middle-income countries, 75 per cent stated the United States interferes in the domestic affairs of other nations, whereas 45 per cent expressed the same opinion about China. Across all 37 surveyed countries, only 26 per cent believed the Chinese Government respects the freedoms of its people, with 59 per cent disagreeing.
Nuances and Caveats
China was widely regarded as a partner in nations including Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka, according to the Pew Research Center reports. Conversely, China was frequently identified as a threat in Japan, the Philippines, Australia, South Korea, and India. Concerns regarding territorial disputes involving China were particularly high among respondents in Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines. The Pew Research Center concluded that China’s improving international image does not signify the disappearance of global concerns about its domestic and foreign policies. Sierra Leone was not among the countries covered by either survey.