China overtakes US in global popularity for first time in two decades, Pew survey shows

Survey findings

The Pew Research Center surveyed 42,151 people across 36 countries and territories between February and May 2026. For the first time in roughly 20 years of tracking, China's median favorability (46%) exceeded that of the United States (36%). In 25 of the 36 countries, more respondents held a positive view of China than of the US. The US led by 10 percentage points or more in only six countries: Poland, Japan, South Korea, India, the Philippines and Israel.

The median US favorability dropped from 58% in 2023 to 48% in 2025 and now 36%. China's rose from 32% to 38% to 46%. In Pakistan, 90% viewed China favorably versus 15% for the US; in Malaysia, 75% to 19%; in Indonesia, 72% to 29%. At the other end, Israel gave the US 81% favorability and China 19%; Japan 50% to 11%.

Shift among traditional allies

Several close US allies registered dramatic swings. In Canada, US favorability fell from 57% in 2023 to 33% in 2026, while China's rose from 14% to 44%. Germany saw US favorability drop from 57% to 27%, with China at 33%. In the United Kingdom, the US figure slid from 50% to 41%, while China reached 46%. Spain recorded the steepest European reversal: US favorability plunged from 55% in 2023 to 30%, and China climbed to 54%. Mexico also tilted toward China.

Drivers of the decline

Researchers linked the erosion of US standing to President Trump's foreign policy. The US involvement in the Iran war alongside Israel, sweeping tariffs, and disputes with traditional allies were cited.

The last two years have just decimated the idea that the United States can be trusted as a reliable partner in anything.

The findings confirm the collapse of U.S. soft power under President Trump's leadership, driven by his administration's use of force and economic coercion.

Pew's Laura Silver noted that China's image also improved as the extremely negative perception from the Covid-19 pandemic faded. Chong Ja Ian, a visiting scholar at Carnegie China, told the BBC that "the unpredictability of US policy, including the use of force and the resulting economic damage, has unsettled many." Pew also cited China's zero-tariff policy in Africa and strengthened economic ties with Brazil and Peru as boosting its image.

Leadership trust

Confidence in Xi Jinping exceeded that in Donald Trump in 22 of the 36 countries surveyed. In Germany, only 16% trusted Trump to do the right thing in world affairs, while Xi received higher marks. In Pakistan, 83% had more trust in Xi than Trump. In the West Bank, only 4% trusted Trump more than Xi. Overall, median trust in Xi rose from 25% to 31% year-on-year, while Trump's fell from 32% to 21%.

Broader perceptions

The survey also asked about human rights: a median of 56% said the US violates citizens' rights, compared to 58% for China. However, 39% believed the US respects personal freedoms, versus 26% for China. Middle-income countries tended to favor China, while wealthier nations were more skeptical, though Singapore was an exception.

Reactions

The White House dismissed the findings, with a spokesperson saying Trump had "done more for global stability than anyone." The Chinese embassy, according to AP, spoke of growing international recognition for China.