Global Survey Finds China Surpasses US in Positive Perception

A comprehensive 2025 Democracy Perception Index survey, involving over 111,000 respondents from 100 countries, reveals a significant global decline in the perception of the United States, which has fallen from a net positive rating of +22% in 2024 to -5% in 2025. This marks the first time more countries hold a positive view of China, whose favorability increased from +5% to +14%, surpassing the U.S. The U.S. president, Donald Trump, is viewed negatively in 82% of countries surveyed, a worse rating compared to Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Analysts and experts, including Anders Fogh Rasmussen, attribute the decline to U.S. foreign policies, trade wars, and strained diplomatic relations under Trump’s administration, despite his efforts to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine. The survey highlights a broader erosion of U.S. standing on the world stage and a notable shift towards viewing China as a more reliable international partner. Meanwhile, Russia's international position has also strengthened, with positive views on par with those of China’s leader.