How Does the World Really View China?

Key Points:

• For the first time in about 20 years, global favorability ratings show more countries view China more positively than the United States, with 25 out of 36 surveyed nations favoring China, including some close U.S. allies.
• Despite this shift in favorability, most countries still prefer the United States as an economic partner; in 20 of 24 countries surveyed in 2025, respondents chose economic ties with the U.S. over China, highlighting a nuanced global stance rather than a clear-cut decline of American influence.
• Favorability ratings reflect feelings and impressions, but when asked about economic partnerships, many respondents who favor China still prefer economic ties with the U.S., indicating that economic interests often outweigh personal or national sentiments.
• A significant portion of respondents, especially in countries like Nigeria and Israel, prefer maintaining strong economic ties with both China and the U.S., showing reluctance to fully commit to one side amid great-power competition.
• While China's global image is improving, the U.S. remains the most important ally for most countries surveyed, and maintaining credible economic commitments is crucial for the U.S. to prevent perceptions of decline from becoming reality.