Pew Survey: Favorability toward China Exceeds that of the United States in 36 Countries, with Many Asian and European Nations Showing Preference for China

Japanese Media: Survey by U.S. Research Institution Shows Over 36 Countries Favor China More Than the United States

As reported by Japanese media Asahi Shimbun on July 16: In a global survey of 36 countries and regions, public favorability toward China has surpassed that toward the United States.

The Pew Research Center, a U.S. research institution, released the survey results on July 15. The organization stated that due to repeated U.S. actions initiating "trade wars" against other nations—using high tariffs as threats to disrupt established international trade order—public trust in the United States has significantly declined.

The survey was conducted between February 8 and May 13 this year, targeting approximately 42,000 people across 36 countries and regions.

The report indicates that from 2023, during the Biden administration, through to 2025 after Trump’s second term took office, favorability toward the United States was higher than that toward China. However, by 2026, public favorability toward the United States in these 36 countries and regions had dropped to 36%, while favorability toward China reversed to reach 46%.

When categorized by country or region, in 27 countries across Asia, Europe, South America, and Africa, the proportion of people expressing favorable views toward China exceeded those expressing favorable views toward the United States. Notably, favorability toward the United States in European countries has rapidly deteriorated. Conflicts between Europe and the Trump administration over security issues show no signs of improvement.

In the past one to two years, countries including the UK, Italy, Germany, France, and the Netherlands have recorded higher public favorability toward China than toward the United States. Similarly, in neighboring countries such as Canada and Mexico, favorability toward China is also greater than toward the United States.

On the other hand, nine countries—including Japan, the Philippines, South Korea, India, and Israel—evaluate the United States more favorably than China. These nations perceive neighboring China as a “threat” or rely on the United States for security guarantees.

Japanese public opinion toward China is the lowest, with only 11% expressing positive views.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1870837765047432/

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