Why China edges past US in global approval ratings

This episode of World Today explores China's growing global influence, highlighted by its record-breaking approval rating of 36%—surpassing the U.S. by the largest margin in 20 years. The report attributes this shift to a significant decline in U.S. global favorability, particularly among traditional allies like Germany, the UK, and Canada, amid perceptions of U.S. leadership as unpredictable and disruptive. Experts discuss how China’s diplomatic engagement with Russia and Iran, especially in efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, underscores its role as a pragmatic, rule-based global actor. Meanwhile, Ukraine is expanding its foreign policy reach into the Middle East, leveraging its drone and air defense expertise and positioning itself as a grain supplier amid ongoing war with Russia. The episode also examines controversial U.S. policies, including the third-country deportation program under Trump, which sends migrants to nations like Congo and South Sudan—raising ethical concerns over human rights and double standards, especially when contrasted with Trump’s welcoming of white South African refugees. Domestic trends in China, including a surge in holiday travel and AI-integrated tourism, signal strong consumer recovery and infrastructure strength. Overall, the episode paints a picture of shifting global power dynamics, where diplomacy, economic resilience, and strategic positioning are redefining international relations.