A recent survey by the Pew Research Center reveals a significant shift in global perceptions of the United States and China, with China now enjoying higher favorability ratings than the U.S. across many surveyed countries. Conducted between February and May 2024, the poll covered 20 countries and found that 46 percent of respondents expressed a favorable view of China, compared with just 36 percent for the United States. This represents a notable reversal from 2023, when 58 percent had a positive opinion of the U.S.

The findings also highlight a decline in confidence in former U.S. President Donald Trump’s leadership, with only 21 percent of respondents trusting him to “do the right thing regarding world affairs.” In contrast, 54 percent expressed confidence in current President Joe Biden. Chinese President Xi Jinping’s trust rating rose modestly to just over 30 percent, up from 25 percent last year.

In Canada, the survey shows a dramatic change in public opinion, with favorable views of the U.S. falling from 57 percent in 2023 to 33 percent this year, while positive perceptions of China increased from 14 percent to 44 percent. Mexico exhibited a similar trend, reflecting broader shifts in North American sentiment toward both countries. These changes coincide with improved relations between Ottawa and Beijing following Prime Minister Mark Carney’s efforts to recalibrate Canadian trade policies amidst distrust toward the U.S. under Trump’s administration.

Countries with Muslim-majority populations such as Pakistan, Malaysia, and Indonesia displayed the largest gaps in favorability ratings, with China viewed substantially more positively than the U.S. by margins of 75, 56, and 43 percentage points, respectively. Analysts attribute this disparity partly to the backlash against the U.S. trade war under Trump and strong opposition to American support for Israel and military engagements in the Middle East.

Even in countries traditionally considered neutral or friendly toward Washington — including Singapore, Sweden, and Australia — China now holds a more favorable public image. Similar findings were observed in Argentina and Italy, where more respondents preferred China over the U.S., while Hungary’s opinions were split evenly. According to the survey, the United States maintained a more favorable image than China in only six countries: Poland, the Philippines, South Korea, India, Japan, and Israel. Notably, these Asian nations have ongoing disputes with China, possibly influencing their respondents’ views.

Wang Yiwei, director of the Institute of International Affairs at Renmin University in Beijing, commented that Canada and Mexico have faced considerable pressure from the U.S., which, combined with Carney’s diplomatic engagement, partly explains Canada’s shifting stance. He contrasted China’s approach as more inclusive and supportive of the Global South, emphasizing Beijing’s efforts to avoid involvement in conflicts such as the U.S.-Israel tensions with Iran. Wang further criticized the Trump administration’s “America First” policies, arguing they damaged the U.S.’s international reputation through tariffs and coercive tactics.

The Pew survey results suggest a recalibration in global attitudes toward the two superpowers amid evolving geopolitical and economic conditions, with China increasingly viewed as a reliable partner compared to the more volatile perceptions of the United States under previous leadership.