Why China tops the U.S. in global approval, reaching its widest lead in two decades?

A global poll conducted by Gallup in 2025 reveals that China has surpassed the United States in international approval ratings for leadership, with a 36% approval rate compared to the U.S.'s 31%—the widest lead in nearly two decades. The decline in U.S. approval is attributed to a series of disruptive foreign policy actions under the Trump administration, including unilateral tariffs, withdrawal from international agreements like the Paris Climate Accord, threats to exit NATO, and aggressive rhetoric toward allies such as Denmark over Greenland. These actions have eroded trust among U.S. allies, particularly in Europe and NATO countries, where approval dropped sharply. In contrast, China is increasingly perceived as a stable, responsible, and non-interventionist global power, championing peace, multilateralism, and development through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and vaccine diplomacy. The panelists emphasize that China’s rise in approval is not due to ideological alignment but rather a reaction to U.S. unpredictability and unilateralism. The global south, especially in Africa and Latin America, views U.S. tariffs and unequal trade demands as harmful to development, further driving a shift toward China. Meanwhile, Israel remains an exception with high U.S. approval due to its strategic security alliance, while Muslim-majority nations and Asia are expected to see further declines in U.S. approval due to ongoing conflicts in Gaza and the Strait of Hormuz. The discussion underscores a growing divergence between public perception and traditional geopolitical narratives. While neither country commands global enthusiasm, China’s image has benefited from consistency, economic openness, and a focus on development, especially in regions affected by U.S. volatility. The panel warns that if the U.S. continues its current trajectory, its global standing could deteriorate further, while China has an opportunity to deepen its soft power through sustained openness and cooperation. Multinational companies are already adjusting capital flows toward China, reflecting a shift in market confidence. Ultimately, the episode suggests that global leadership is increasingly judged not by ideology but by reliability, predictability, and tangible contributions to stability and development.