China viewed more positively than US globally for first time in 20 years: poll

For the first time in two decades, global opinion has shifted to view China more favorably than the United States, according to a new Pew Research Center poll. The survey, conducted between February and May, found that more people held positive views of China than the U.S. in 25 of the 36 countries and territories surveyed, including Canada and Mexico.

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This is the first time in about 20 years that Pew has monitored global opinion where China is viewed more positively than the U.S.

This marks a significant reversal from years past when the U.S. generally held a more positive image globally. The findings, released on July 15, also indicated that China's leader, Xi Jinping, was viewed more favorably than U.S. President Donald Trump in 22 of the surveyed nations. However, many in these countries expressed low trust in both leaders.

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There is a real connection between the outbreak of war and the perception that the U.S. is not contributing to peace and stability, and a decrease in public trust in Donald Trump.

Researchers attribute this change to several factors. Laura Silver, an associate director of Pew's Global Attitudes Research and a lead author of the study, noted a connection between global perceptions of the U.S. and its perceived contribution to peace and stability. Actions by the Trump administration, such as its demands regarding Greenland, military operations in Venezuela, and its handling of the Israel-Hamas war, have contributed to a decline in public acceptance in many countries.

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In the last few months to years, the U.S. has taken many steps regarding global engagement that are not viewed positively on the international stage.

"In the last few months to years, the U.S. has taken many steps regarding global engagement that are not viewed positively on the international stage," Silver stated. China, meanwhile, appears to benefit from this shift, with many countries viewing it as a more reliable partner and a greater contributor to global peace and stability, especially as the memory of the COVID-19 pandemic fades.

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As a comparison, we know that China is seen as a more reliable partner in many places. This country is more likely to be seen as contributing to global peace and stability.