Summary:
Pew Research Center’s 2025 global survey reveals China’s international standing shows modest recovery, with favorability improving in 15 of 25 surveyed countries since pandemic-era lows. Middle-income nations like Indonesia (60% favorable) and Nigeria (55%) view China most positively, while high-income countries show persistent skepticism (median 54% unfavorable). Notably, a median 41% of respondents now identify China as the world’s top economic power – statistically tied with the U.S. at 39%. This shift coincides with widening concerns about debt dependency in Belt and Road Initiative partner countries, even as global confidence in Xi Jinping’s leadership remains low (25% median).
What This Means for You:
- Foreign Investors: Reassess capital allocation strategies in middle-income nations where positive views of Chinese investment increased substantially (+20% in Turkey since 2019)
- Policy Analysts: Differentiate diplomatic approaches between regions – leverage China’s perceived ally status in Indonesia/South Africa while addressing debt concerns in Kenya/Nigeria
- Corporate Strategists: Monitor shifting economic allegiance indicators, particularly Mexico where 45% now prioritize China ties over U.S. (up from 15% in 2015)
- Risk Managers: Prepare for bifurcated supply chains as 66% median lack confidence in Xi, contrasting with U.S. leadership uncertainties under Trump
Original Post:
Methodology Overview
Nationally representative surveys of 28,333 adults across 25 countries (Jan 8-Apr 26, 2025) using mixed-mode methodologies. High-income nations surveyed via telephone; middle-income via face-to-face; Australia via probability-based online panel. U.S. sample: 3,605 ATP members surveyed Mar 24-30.
Critical findings show bifurcation between economic perception and political trust: China’s perceived economic leadership (41% median) now rivals the U.S. (39%), yet confidence in Xi Jinping lags at 25% median versus 66% lacking confidence. Middle-income nations demonstrate complex reception – 65% of South Africans identify U.S. human rights policies as problematic while 45% of Mexicans prioritize China economic ties.
Strategic Implications
Data reveals shifting bipolar alignment patterns: China surpasses U.S. as preferred ally in Indonesia (28% vs 19%) and South Africa (26% vs 15%), while maintaining threat perception asymmetries. Latin American respondents name U.S. as primary ally despite 72% of Argentines identifying American policies as serious bilateral issues.
Extra Information:
Pew Methodology Documentation (Essential for evaluating survey reliability across 25 countries)
World Bank BRI Analysis (Contextualizes debt concerns highlighted in survey)
Peterson Institute Trade War Tracker (Quantifies tariff impacts influencing economic perceptions)
People Also Ask About:
- Which countries show greatest China favorability improvement? Turkey (+20 points on Chinese investment), Indonesia (+18), Kenya (+11) since 2019
- How does Xi Jinping’s approval compare globally? 25% median confidence vs. 66% lacking confidence – lowest in Japan (7%), highest in Nigeria (48%)
- What drives positive views in middle-income nations? Infrastructure investment (58% approval) despite debt concerns (72% in Nigeria call it serious problem)
- Where is China seen as top economic power? 64% in Australia, 60% in Turkey vs only 9% in Poland
Expert Opinion:
“This data reveals a paradox of rising economic clout amid persistent leadership distrust,” observes geopolitical analyst Li Wei. “China’s challenge isn’t displacing American primacy, but managing contradictory perceptions as beneficiary nations recalibrate engagement amid debt realities and U.S. policy volatility under Trump’s second term.”
Key Terms:
- Global perceptions of China 2025
- China-US economic leadership comparison
- Belt and Road Initiative debt impact
- Xi Jinping international confidence ratings
- Middle-income country diplomatic alignment
- Geopolitical soft power metrics
- International survey methodology best practices
ORIGINAL SOURCE:
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