Xi Tops Trump in Global Opinions
· news
The Global Divide: Why China’s Xi Now Tops Trump in International Opinions
A new Pew Research Center poll reveals a striking shift in global attitudes towards Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump. For the first time in nearly two decades, more people worldwide view China favorably than the United States.
The decline of the US’ popularity among its traditional allies has been a major factor driving this change. Countries like Canada, Mexico, France, Germany, and the UK – which have historically had strong ties with Washington – now harbor more favorable views of Beijing than the US capital. In 22 out of 36 countries surveyed by Pew, people view Xi Jinping more positively than Trump.
This trend is not limited to Western nations; opinions about China have also improved significantly in some of the US’s closest allies in East Asia, such as Japan and South Korea. Even in India, where just over half (54%) now hold favorable views of Beijing, a stark contrast exists with the 36% who viewed the US positively.
The shift is largely due to perceptions that China has become a more reliable partner for global peace and stability. Pew researcher Laura Silver noted that “China is seen to be a more likely contributor to global peace and stability.” This sentiment is particularly pronounced among nations affected by US policies, such as Canada, which saw its favorable views of the US plummet from 57% in 2023 to just 33% this year.
The war on Iran, launched jointly by the US and Israel during the poll’s period, likely contributed to the negative perception of Trump’s leadership. As Silver observed, “There was a direct relationship between the outbreak of the war and the sense that the US is not contributing to peace and stability.”
China’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic has also been a significant factor in boosting international confidence in Xi’s leadership. Beijing may have initially faced criticism for its early response to the crisis, but subsequent events – including widespread vaccination efforts and economic stimulus packages – appear to have improved global perceptions.
This shift marks a fundamental change from nearly two decades of history, during which the US was viewed more favorably than China by global public opinion. The current survey indicates that, for the first time since 2002, people worldwide are more likely to view China positively than the US.
The implications of this seismic shift in global attitudes are significant and far-reaching. It remains to be seen whether this trend will continue or is merely a temporary blip on the radar. One thing is certain: the current poll has substantial implications for both nations’ ability to shape policies and secure their positions as world leaders.
Reader Views
- ADAnalyst D. Park · policy analyst
The Pew Research Center's latest poll is a stark reminder of the shifting global landscape. While it's tempting to attribute China's rising popularity solely to Xi Jinping's diplomatic overtures, we should also consider the role of US policy in driving this trend. The war on Iran has undoubtedly had a significant impact on perceptions of Trump's leadership, but another factor at play is Beijing's increasingly assertive economic diplomacy. China's massive Belt and Road Initiative has created a web of investments and partnerships that are yielding tangible results for many countries, making it harder to dismiss as just another authoritarian regime.
- CMColumnist M. Reid · opinion columnist
The shift in global opinion towards China is hardly surprising given the US's increasingly erratic foreign policy under Trump. What's striking, however, is how rapidly this sentiment has solidified across the world. While Pew Research suggests that China's economic rise and diplomatic efforts are driving this change, there's a more nuanced dynamic at play: Washington's own leadership vacuum. The global south in particular may be warming up to Xi's pragmatism, but it remains to be seen whether Beijing can sustain its newfound status as peacemaker without sacrificing its own ideological rigidity.
- RJReporter J. Avery · staff reporter
It's clear that China's Xi Jinping has become the new darling of global diplomacy, but what does this shift in opinion really mean for Washington? One key factor not mentioned in the Pew Research Center poll is Beijing's growing economic clout and its ability to offer alternatives to Western aid. This can be seen in Africa, where China has made significant investments in infrastructure and development projects, earning it a reputation as a reliable partner on the continent. Whether this will translate into lasting influence or just another flash in the pan remains to be seen.