China Global Reputation Overtakes US Across Most Surveyed Markets, Pew Finds

China global reputation has improved significantly, with the country now viewed more favourably than the United States across most surveyed markets, according to a new Pew Research Center study.

Among 20 countries with comparable historical data, a median 48% of respondents expressed favourable views of China in 2026, compared with 36% for the United States.

This represents a sharp reversal from 2023, when the corresponding figures were 32% and 58%, respectively.

China achieved stronger favourability ratings in several long-standing US allies, including Canada, Australia, France and Germany.

Only six countries, among them India, Japan, the Philippines and South Korea, continued to view the United States more positively.

While respondents still rated the United States higher on protecting personal freedoms, Pew found that the gap had narrowed considerably.

The survey covered 42,151 adults interviewed between 8 February and 13 May, highlighting changing international perceptions amid evolving geopolitical and economic conditions.