Global opinion surveys indicate that China is now viewed more favorably than the United States in many countries, reflecting a shift not so much toward China’s appeal but away from the policies of the Trump administration. This dynamic was on display at two recent international summits—the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, and the Group of 20 (G20) summit hosted by the United States—where widespread criticism was directed at Washington’s approach to global affairs.

The SCO summit, representing nations that collectively encompass about 40% of the world’s population, issued a declaration condemning recent military strikes on Iran, attributing significant civilian casualties and economic harm to these actions. The statement, endorsed by leaders including China’s Xi Jinping, India’s Narendra Modi, and Pakistan’s Shehbaz Sharif, accused the US and Israel of violating international law and the United Nations Charter, warning that such actions jeopardize international peace and stability. Without directly naming the United States or Western nations, the declaration also opposed “unilateral coercive measures” inconsistent with United Nations and World Trade Organization regulations, implicitly challenging longstanding U.S. reliance on economic sanctions as a foreign policy instrument.

At the G20 summit, intended to highlight American economic policies, European leaders voiced concerns over U.S. protectionist measures and the escalating trade dispute with Canada. German Vice-Chancellor Lars Klingbeil stated that ongoing tariff conflicts undermine confidence in the global trading system and risk harming all parties involved. Additionally, leaders expressed unease over the ongoing conflict in Iran, citing disruptions to critical maritime trade routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, which in turn affect global supply chains, energy markets, and financial stability.

A recent survey by the Pew Research Center across 17 middle-income countries found that 75% of respondents view the U.S. as interfering in other nations’ affairs, while 45% held this perception of China. This sentiment reflects growing skepticism toward Washington among both middle-income and some high-income democracies, traditionally among the U.S.’ most loyal supporters. In contrast, China’s image as a dependable partner has strengthened, particularly in developing regions, where it is increasingly seen as a contributor to global peace and stability.

Experts suggest the decline in U.S. soft power stems from policies perceived as unilateral and unpredictable, including withdrawal from international agreements, imposition of tariffs on allies, confrontational military actions in Iran, and a transactional style of diplomacy. These developments have eroded decades of accumulated trust, a core element of global influence. While Beijing benefits from this environment, analysts caution that its own credibility and reliability remain essential to securing lasting international support.

Observers note that this shift in global sentiment may not be permanent. A future U.S. administration could restore confidence by recommitting to multilateralism, international law, and predictable foreign policy. However, uncertainty about the direction of American leadership continues to unsettle global partners. Ultimately, the current landscape reflects a world distancing itself from what it views as an unreliable and confrontational United States, rather than fully embracing China, which still faces considerable challenges in building durable soft power.