A latest global poll released by the Pew Research Center in the United States shows that among 36 countries and regions, respondents in 27 of them have a higher positive impression of China compared to the United States. The Washington Post reported on July 15 that this reflects a continuous improvement in China’s international image, while the international image of the United States has further declined.
This survey interviewed 42,151 respondents worldwide. The Pew Research Center noted that in the 20 countries that participated in the same survey last year, the median level of favorability towards the United States was still higher than that towards China. This year’s survey results show that more and more people in various countries are expressing more positive opinions about China.
Paula Sylvester, Deputy Director of the Pew Research Center, said American support levels in some countries have fallen to "a historical low near the bottom."
Report analysis suggests that this change comes at a time when the Trump administration's series of foreign and economic policies have sparked international controversy. Policies such as the threat to annex Greenland and Canada, continuous involvement in the conflict in Iran, imposing tariffs on most economies around the world, and significant cuts to foreign aid have all weakened America’s international image.
Meanwhile, China's international image has been steadily improving. Silver said that China's reputation in global public opinion has been continuously rising in recent years. She believes that the current changes in the international political landscape are driving a simultaneous shift in perceptions of both China and the United States.
Some traditional American allies have shown significant changes. Surveys show that this year, countries like the UK, Canada, France, and Germany have a higher level of goodwill towards China than the United States. In the UK, last year, the proportion of people who had a positive opinion of the US was 50%, compared to 39% in China. This year, China has risen to 46%, while the US has dropped to 41%, resulting in a reversal of the rankings between the two countries.
However, The Washington Post also pointed out that the United States still has a clear advantage among its Asia-Pacific allies. Countries such as Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, and India still support the United States more. In Pakistan and some African countries, China has a higher level of support. Among Pakistani respondents, 90% have a positive opinion of China, while only 15% have a positive opinion of the United States.
Reports indicate that in recent years, China has continuously promoted the construction of the 'Belt and Road' initiative, increased investment in infrastructure and diplomatic cooperation, and enhanced its influence in many developing countries.
According to Joshua Kulanchik, a senior researcher at the American Foreign Relations Association, the image of the United States as a ‘reliable partner’ has been severely damaged over the past two years. In contrast, China has seized this opportunity to further expand its international influence.
