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Events / Geopolitical / Pew poll: China overtakes US in...
International public opinion survey

Pew poll: China overtakes US in global favorability

Analysis based on 30 articles · First reported Jul 15, 2026 · Last updated Jul 16, 2026

Sentiment
-10
Attention
3
Articles
30
Market Impact
General
Live prominence charts, article sentiment distribution, and event development timeline available on the Ergen Dashboard
Market Impact

The shift in global favorability may influence international business sentiment and trade dynamics, potentially benefiting Chinese companies and complicating U.S. diplomatic efforts. However, the direct market impact is limited as the survey reflects perceptions rather than concrete policy changes.

public opinion research international relations
Event Summary

A Pew Research Center survey conducted from February to May 2026 among over 42,000 adults in 35 countries plus the West Bank and East Jerusalem found that for the first time in roughly 20 years, China is viewed more favorably than the United States in 25 of 36 countries and territories surveyed. Chinese leader Xi Jinping also enjoys higher favorability than U.S. President Donald Trump in 22 countries. The shift is attributed to declining global confidence in U.S. leadership due to the U.S.-Israel war against Iran, Trump's tariff disputes with allies, demands to control Denmark — Greenland, the U.S. raid capturing Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro, and U.S. handling of the Israeli-Hamas war. China is increasingly seen as a more reliable partner contributing to global peace and stability. The U.S. still leads in perceptions of respect for personal freedoms, but the gap is narrowing. The Chinese Embassy in Washington welcomed the findings, while a White House spokesperson defended Trump's record.

Key Actions
78 United States imposed tariffs Canada
76 United States launched surprise attack Iran
75 Donald Trump expressed interest in buying Denmark — Greenland
72 United States captured Nicolás Maduro
50 Pew Research Center released poll
50 Pew Research Center released survey
Entities Involved
cnt
United States
Favorability declined due to foreign policy actions and tensions with allies, potentially weakening its diplomatic influence.
Importance 100.0 Sentiment -30.0
cnt
China
Now viewed more favorably than the U.S. in most surveyed countries, enhancing its soft power and global standing.
Importance 100.0 Sentiment 30.0
per
Donald Trump
Low confidence globally due to policies and actions; seen as less reliable than Xi.
Importance 80.0 Sentiment -40.0
per
Xi Jinping
More favorably viewed than Trump in 22 countries, reflecting improved personal approval.
Importance 80.0 Sentiment 20.0
ngo
Pew Research Center
Conducted the survey that revealed the shift in global favorability.
Importance 80.0 Sentiment 0.0
cnt
Canada
Favorability of U.S. dropped sharply; views of China rose significantly, influenced by tariff disputes.
Importance 50.0 Sentiment -10.0
cnt
Germany
Switched to viewing China more favorably than the U.S.
Importance 40.0 Sentiment -10.0
cnt
Iran
U.S.-Israel war against Iran during survey period contributed to negative views of U.S.
Importance 40.0 Sentiment -20.0
cnt
United Kingdom
Now views China and U.S. similarly, a shift from strong U.S. favorability in 2023.
Importance 40.0 Sentiment -10.0
cnt
Mexico
Part of the shift; more favorable views of China than U.S.
Importance 40.0 Sentiment -10.0
cnt
France
Switched to viewing China more favorably than the U.S.
Importance 40.0 Sentiment -10.0
cnt
Japan
Among countries where U.S. is still viewed more favorably, but favorability has dimmed.
Importance 30.0 Sentiment 0.0
cnt
Philippines
Among countries where U.S. is still viewed more favorably.
Importance 30.0 Sentiment 0.0
cnt
India
Among countries where U.S. is still viewed more favorably.
Importance 30.0 Sentiment 0.0
cnt
South Korea
Among countries where U.S. is still viewed more favorably.
Importance 30.0 Sentiment 0.0
+ 15 more entities View on Dashboard
Relationships
United States strategic rivals ↔ China The United States perceives China as a strategic rival, engaging in an economic and technological competition while also
United States related ↔ Donald Trump
United States related ↔ Xi Jinping
United States related ↔ Pew Research Center
United States strained-ally ↔ Canada The United States has severely strained its historically close relationship with Canada by imposing sweeping tariffs and
United States strained ally ↔ Germany The United States provides substantial security guarantees to Germany but has recently strained ties by withdrawing troo
United States at war ↔ Iran The United States is currently at war with Iran, conducting sustained airstrikes and enforcing a naval blockade, while f
United States allies ↔ United Kingdom The United States considers the United Kingdom a vital defense ally and significant economic partner, relying on its str
United States related ↔ Mexico
China related ↔ Donald Trump
China related ↔ Xi Jinping
China related ↔ Canada
China related ↔ Germany
China strategic partners ↔ Iran China maintains a strategic partnership with Iran, serving as its primary oil buyer and a key diplomatic lifeline amidst
China related ↔ United Kingdom
+ 26 more relationships View on Dashboard
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