China now tops US in global approval ratings: Gallup

The Hill
by Ryan Mancini
April 4, 2026
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3 min read

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China's global approval rating surpassed the U.S. for the first time in 2025, according to Gallup data.

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China's global approval rating surpassed that of the United States in 2025, marking the widest favorability gap between the two countries in nearly two decades, according to a Gallup poll released Friday. China reached a median approval rating of 36 percent for its leadership globally, while U.S. approval fell to a lower level. The shift reflects mounting international skepticism about American leadership and growing acceptance of Chinese influence abroad. The reversal carries strategic implications for both nations' soft power and diplomatic reach as they compete for influence in developing economies and global institutions. The data underscores how Trump administration policies and statements since taking office in January, as well as broader perceptions of U.S. political dysfunction, have reshaped how world publics view American leadership.

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