Pew Research Poll: Global Favorability for China Surpasses US for First Time

For the first time in its two-decade history, the Pew Research Center reports that more people globally view China favorably than the United States. In a survey of over 42,000 individuals across 36 countries conducted between February and May 2026, favorable opinions of China surpassed those of the US in 25 nations, including traditional allies like Canada and several European powers. Only six countries—Poland, the Philippines, South Korea, India, Japan, and Israel—still maintain a more positive view of the US. Additionally, confidence in Chinese President Xi Jinping now exceeds that of US President Donald Trump in 22 of the surveyed regions, although trust levels for both leaders remain generally low worldwide.

Analysts attribute this historic reversal to a combination of fading negative perceptions of China post-pandemic and significant declines in US global standing. The survey period coincided with heightened US military engagements, including a war with Iran, and controversial policies such as tariffs on Canada and rhetoric regarding Greenland. These actions contributed to a perception of US volatility and reduced contribution to global stability. While the US still leads in perceived respect for personal freedoms, the gap has narrowed as respondents increasingly view China as a more predictable and reliable partner in international affairs.