Global views of China and Xi improve as perceptions of US decline, Pew survey finds

Global perceptions of China and President Xi Jinping have improved, while confidence in the United States has waned, according to a new survey by the Pew Research Centre. The findings suggest a significant shift in international sentiment since the pandemic era.

The survey, which polled more than 45,000 individuals across 37 countries spanning diverse regions, revealed that views of China have risen from historic lows experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. "Views of China were at or near historic lows in many countries during the Covid-19 pandemic but have since steadily increased," Jonathan Schulman, a research associate at Pew Research Centre, stated.

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Views of China were at or near historic lows in many countries during the Covid-19 pandemic but have since steadily increased.

Conversely, perceptions of the United States have declined in many of the surveyed nations. The share of respondents who consider the US a reliable partner has also fallen sharply. "Views of the US have declined in many places, and the share of people saying that the US is a reliable partner to their country has similarly fallen sharply," Schulman added.

Conducted between February and May, the survey highlights a notable shift in the relative standing of China and the US. Across 20 countries consistently surveyed by Pew, China now holds a higher average favorability rating than the US. Forty-six percent of respondents expressed a favorable view of China, compared to 36 percent for the US. This marks a significant change from 2023, when the US enjoyed a more favorable image, with 54 percent of respondents viewing it positively compared to only 19 percent for China.

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Views of the US have declined in many places, and the share of people saying that the US is a reliable partner to their country has similarly fallen sharply.