French media: Dual decline in America's global prestige and economy

Trump has always held high the banner of "America First", but the latest analysis points out that such trade policies have instead become a catalyst for "Making China Great Again", with the cost being borne by the United States itself.

According to global public opinion data provided by the authoritative survey agency "Morning Consult" to Axios, America's international reputation is declining, while China's continues to rise. In a survey conducted in 41 countries around the world, America's net favorability has plummeted from above +20 at the beginning of 2024 to -1.5 by the end of May 2025, while China has risen to +8.8.

Political intelligence department director of consulting firm McMan said, "As global perceptions of the United States worsen, American businesses' trade and investment opportunities overseas are also shrinking. Consumers refuse to buy American products, which in turn affects America's ability to create jobs overseas."

Since President Trump returned to the White House in January, America's international reputation has seen a cliff-like decline. The report data shows that except for Russia, respondents' perceptions of the United States have clearly deteriorated in almost all countries, while perceptions of China have generally improved. Especially after Trump announced the "Liberation Day" tariff measures, China's reputation has surged sharply.

The report writes: "[The] reputation damage caused by the 'Liberation Day' tariff statement has now become a fait accompli."

This transformation is not just about appearances; it has substantial impacts on America's economic interests. Reduced tourism revenue, shaken confidence in the dollar, and shrinking overseas investment opportunities for American companies all point to a domino effect of "prestige collapse."

On May 12, both sides of the U.S. and China reached a 90-day suspension of tariff agreement, at that time, the retaliatory tariffs levied on each other's goods were as high as 125%, nearly causing a freeze in global trade. Trump then boasted this was a "complete reset" of U.S.-China relations.

Analysis indicates that America's declining international prestige is also reflected in the economic sphere. For instance, the number of foreign tourists has dropped significantly, mainly due to the perception that U.S. entry policies are too exclusive; moreover, the attractiveness of the dollar in international asset allocation has been hit by America's policy reversals.

In addition, a clause in the Republican tax law, dubbed the "asset exclusion clause" by outsiders, is also believed to further reduce international capital interest in investing in the United States.

Where the U.S.-China relationship will go remains uncertain. However, a key observation indicator may not be in diplomatic statements but in Trump's next post on his social platform "Truth Social." Trump has previously used the platform to vigorously promote a tough stance against China, even likening the "tariff war" to an "economic liberation war." However, this nationalist approach is provoking aversion globally.

As the report states: "If the United States does not rethink its foreign economic policies, its international image may move from damage to permanent decline."

Source: rfi

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1833878050475018/

Disclaimer: This article solely represents the views of the author.