US and China Lose Global Popularity as China Surpasses US for First Time in 20 Years

A Pew Research Center study reveals that for the first time in over two decades, more countries have expressed greater favorability toward China than the United States, according to a survey conducted across 36 nations. The findings, released in July 2026, highlight a significant shift in global public opinion, with 25 of the surveyed countries showing higher approval ratings for China compared to the U.S. The data marks a departure from long-standing trends where American influence and soft power typically outpaced China’s.

Key Findings of the Pew Research Study
The survey, which included 36 countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, found that a majority of respondents in the 25 nations expressed more favorable views of China than the U.S. This contrasts with earlier decades, when U.S. favorability consistently outpaced China’s in most regions. In 13 countries, including Japan, Germany, and Canada, respondents maintained higher approval of the U.S. However, in regions such as Southeast Asia, Africa, and parts of Latin America, China’s favorability surpassed that of the U.S. by significant margins.

Regional Shifts in Public Opinion
In Southeast Asia, countries like Indonesia and the Philippines saw China’s favorability rise significantly, while U.S. approval dropped. In Africa, Nigeria and Kenya reported higher favorability toward China compared to the U.S. The study attributed these shifts to China’s growing economic investments, infrastructure projects, and diplomatic engagement, particularly through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative.

In Latin America, Mexico and Brazil showed higher approval of China compared to the U.S. Analysts noted that these trends reflect a broader realignment of global alliances, with many countries prioritizing economic partnerships over traditional Western alliances.

Implications for Global Diplomacy
The study underscores a broader geopolitical pivot, as nations increasingly seek alternatives to U.S.-led institutions and frameworks. In some cases, China’s perceived non-interference in domestic affairs contrasted with U.S. policies that critics argue prioritize geopolitical interests over local governance. For example, in countries like Pakistan and Ghana, respondents cited China’s “no-strings-attached” approach to aid and trade as a key factor in its rising favorability.

The Pew Research Center also noted that China’s leader, Xi Jinping, enjoyed higher trust levels than U.S. President Joe Biden in several nations. In one unnamed country, 83% of respondents expressed confidence in Xi, compared to a smaller proportion for Biden. While the study did not identify the specific nation, it highlighted that such disparities were most pronounced in regions with strong economic ties to China.

Context and Historical Trends
This marks the first time since the early 2000s that a majority of surveyed countries have shown greater favorability toward China than the U.S. Previous Pew studies from 2015 and 2019 consistently showed U.S. favorability leading in most regions, though China’s ratings had been steadily rising. The 2026 data reflects a culmination of factors, including the U.S. withdrawal from global agreements, shifting trade dynamics, and China’s expanded role in international development.

Experts caution that while the study highlights public sentiment, it does not directly correlate with policy decisions. Some governments maintain strong ties with the U.S. despite public opinion shifts, particularly in alliance-driven regions like East Asia. However, the data signals a growing skepticism toward U.S. leadership and a willingness to explore alternative partnerships.

Current Status and Future Outlook
The Pew findings come amid ongoing debates about the balance of global power. While the U.S. remains a dominant military and economic force, China’s influence in trade, technology, and infrastructure is reshaping international relations. The study’s authors emphasized that public opinion is a dynamic indicator, and future trends will depend on how both nations navigate economic competition, climate policy, and global governance.

As of July 2026, no official responses from U.S. or Chinese government representatives have been publicly released regarding the study’s findings. However, the data has already sparked discussions among analysts about the long-term implications for international diplomacy and economic cooperation.

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Regional Analysis of Favorability Trends
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In Europe, the study found mixed results. France and Spain reported higher favorability toward China compared to the U.S., while countries like Poland and the Czech Republic maintained higher U.S. favorability, reflecting historical ties and security alliances. The data suggests that European publics are increasingly divided, with economic interests and geopolitical concerns shaping divergent views.

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Economic and Diplomatic Factors
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China’s expanding economic footprint has been a central driver of its rising favorability. The study noted that a majority of respondents in countries with significant Chinese investments cited improved infrastructure and job opportunities as key benefits. Additionally, China’s diplomatic efforts, including climate initiatives and humanitarian aid, have bolstered its image in regions like Africa and the Global South.

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Comparative Trust in Leadership
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The study also measured trust in national leaders. In 18 of the 36 countries, Xi Jinping’s approval rating exceeded that of Biden. In some cases, such as in the Middle East, trust in U.S. leadership fell below a certain threshold, while China’s ratings remained higher. Analysts attributed this to perceptions of U.S. unpredictability and China’s consistent engagement with local governments.

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Challenges and Limitations
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Pew researchers acknowledged limitations in the study, including potential biases in survey methodology and the influence of local media narratives. Additionally, the data does not account for geopolitical tensions, such as disputes in the South China Sea or trade conflicts, which may affect long-term perceptions. Despite these caveats, the study provides a snapshot of a shifting global landscape.