A new Pew Research Center survey has found that for the first time since tracking international attitudes more than two decades ago, China is viewed more favorably than the United States in most countries surveyed. The findings represent one of the most significant shifts in global public opinion documented by the research organization.
The survey data shows a median of 75 percent of global respondents view the US as highly interventionist, compared to 45 percent for China. Perhaps most striking, citizens even in Washington’s closest allies—Canada, Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Australia—now view China more favorably than the United States. The results mark a departure from historical patterns where the US held an advantage over China in global favorability ratings.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive analysts argue that President Trump’s explicit embrace of power politics has accelerated a decline in American soft power that began with earlier interventions. Critics contend that his administration’s rhetoric around acquiring Greenland, reclaiming the Panama Canal and military posturing toward Iran represents an abandonment of the multilateral approach that historically underpinned US global leadership.
Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) has argued that America’s credibility depends on demonstrating commitment to international rules rather than unilateral action. “Our alliances and institutions aren’t constraints on American power,” Murphy stated in recent remarks. “They are the source of it.”
Progressive foreign policy experts contend that China has benefited not from its own appeal but from the contrast with perceived American unpredictability. The Center for American Progress has noted that US global standing depends on consistency, predictability and commitment to allies—qualities they argue have been undermined by recent policy shifts.
What the Right Is Saying
Administration supporters counter that the survey reflects temporary fluctuations rather than structural damage to American power. They argue that strong economic growth, military capabilities and energy independence under Trump strengthen US standing regardless of favorability metrics.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has defended a more assertive American posture, arguing that previous administrations were too passive in confronting geopolitical rivals. “We are not apologizing for projecting American strength,” Rubio stated at a recent press conference. “Other nations respect clarity about our interests and willingness to defend them.”
Conservative analysts contend that favorability surveys understate US leverage because they measure perception rather than actual influence. The Heritage Foundation’s foreign policy team has argued that allies continue to coordinate with Washington on security matters regardless of polling fluctuations, suggesting the relationship remains fundamentally sound.
Some defenders also note that China’s positive image masks concerns about its own practices abroad, including economic coercion and territorial expansion in the South China Sea. They argue the survey reflects frustration with US policy rather than genuine affinity for Beijing.
What the Numbers Show
The Pew Research Center data represents the most comprehensive recent snapshot of global attitudes toward major powers: - For the first time in survey history, a majority of nations surveyed view China more favorably than the United States
- 75% median of global respondents rate US as highly interventionist
- 45% median view China as highly interventionist
- Favorability gaps reversed even among traditional US allies including Canada, Britain, France, Germany and Australia
- The gap between US and China favorability has narrowed significantly compared to previous years
The survey was conducted across multiple continents with sample sizes designed to represent national populations. Pew notes that methodology remains consistent with its historical tracking of international attitudes dating back more than 20 years.
The Bottom Line
The Pew findings present a data point that both sides acknowledge requires attention, though they interpret its significance differently. Supporters of the current administration argue that favorability metrics do not capture actual diplomatic and security cooperation, while critics contend perception gaps eventually translate into reduced influence.
What remains clear is that global attitudes toward American leadership have shifted in measurable ways during this administration’s approach to foreign policy. Whether that represents a temporary polling phenomenon or a structural realignment will likely depend on future actions by both Washington and Beijing, as well as how US allies navigate their own relationships with the world’s two largest economies.
Analysts across the political spectrum note that soft power advantages take years to build but can erode quickly. The survey suggests America’s ability to attract international cooperation rather than simply compel it faces challenges that will not be resolved by military or economic strength alone.