China Surpasses United States in Global Favorability, Xi Jinping Beats Donald Trump in Trust

A Pew Research Center survey of more than 42,000 adults in 36 countries released in July 2026 shows China now enjoys higher global favorability than the United States. The median share of respondents with a favorable view of China reached 46 % versus 36 % for the United States. In 25 of the 36 surveyed nations, China was viewed more positively, while only six countries – India, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Poland and Israel – still favored the United States.

The poll also measured confidence in the two leaders. Xi Jinping recorded a median global confidence level of 31 %, far above Donald Trump’s 21 %. Xi leads in confidence scores across Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America, with especially large gaps in Pakistan, Malaysia and Brazil. A Gallup poll earlier in the year reported a similar swing, marking the widest advantage for China in nearly two decades. Analysts see the shift as a warning signal for U.S. soft‑power influence worldwide.