URGENT UPDATE: A groundbreaking survey reveals a significant shift in global perceptions, with views of China and its leader, Xi Jinping, improving while those of the U.S. and President Donald Trump decline. Released by the Pew Research Center on October 24, 2023, this survey of 24 countries shows a stark change in international attitudes towards these superpowers.
According to the survey, only 35% of respondents in ten high-income countries, including Canada, France, Germany, and Italy, hold favorable views of the U.S., a steep drop from 51% last year. In contrast, 32% now view China positively, up from 23% in 2022. This marks a pivotal moment in global opinion, as the two nations’ standings are closer than ever before.
Notably, confidence in Trump has plummeted to 24%, down from 53% last year for President Joe Biden. Meanwhile, Xi saw a slight increase in confidence, rising to 22% from 17%. The survey, conducted between January 8 and April 26, 2023, involved over 30,000 participants across 25 countries, excluding the U.S.
The implications of these findings are profound. Laura Silver, associate director of research at Pew, stated, “As the U.S. potentially looks like a less reliable partner, China may look different in some people’s eyes.” This shift may be attributed to perceptions of the U.S. as an unreliable partner in global affairs, coupled with diminishing confidence in Trump’s leadership during economic uncertainties.
Despite the negative trends for the U.S., Israel remains an outlier, with an overwhelming 83% of Israelis expressing favorable views of the U.S., compared to just 33% who view China positively. Additionally, 69% of Israelis report confidence in Trump, marking a stark contrast to the global trend.
As these new figures circulate, they raise important questions about the future of international relations and the potential reshaping of global alliances. The survey’s swift release and its implications for U.S. foreign policy are critical topics for discussion amongst policymakers and citizens alike.
WHAT’S NEXT: Observers will be keen to see how these shifting views impact diplomatic relations and international cooperation. As global sentiment evolves, the effects on trade, security, and international support could be significant. Stay tuned for further developments as this story unfolds.