According to a report by Axios citing a survey conducted by US's Morning Consult, China's global net favorability rating reached 8.8 as of late May 2025, surpassing the US, which scored -1.5. This marks the first time China has overtaken the US in global favorability since the organization began tracking such data.
Additionally, data from a Danish think tank indicates that 79% of countries worldwide now view China more favorably than the US. Multiple polls also reveal growing domestic dissatisfaction in the US with its tariff policies, as an increasing number of Americans oppose these measures.
Xu Zewei, a member of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce and Chairman of 91 Technology Group, told DotDotNews that the shift in global opinion is no coincidence. Instead, it reflects China's ability to transform economic resilience into international influence while maintaining an open and inclusive stance to mitigate confrontation.
"The trade war has become a pivotal lens reshaping international perceptions," Xu stated. He emphasized that China's strategic composure and pragmatic actions during the trade disputes have quietly altered global narratives.
China's economic strength and strategic approach
Xu highlighted that American consumers have expressed their true preferences with their wallets. Despite the trade war, affordable Chinese goods continue to dominate the US market, underscoring the American public's reliance on Chinese products. Notably, China's export structure to the US has undergone a significant shift, with high-value-added products like electric vehicle components and photovoltaic equipment now comprising a larger share. This signals a deeper, albeit understated, dependence on Chinese technology as the US seeks industrial upgrades.
On one hand, China has implemented precise countermeasures to safeguard its core interests. On the other hand, it has persistently expanded its openness by increasing visa-free arrangements, shortening negative lists for foreign investment, and optimizing the business environment. These actions enable global businesses to share in the dividends of China's development and debunk the "decoupling" narrative with tangible evidence.
Developing nations reject zero-sum politics
The rising favorability of China among developing nations reflects a collective disapproval of zero-sum politics. While the US has wielded sanctions as a tool during the trade war, China has promoted infrastructure development through its Belt and Road Initiative and built the world's largest free trade zone under the RCEP framework. These initiatives provide tangible benefits, replacing the US's ideological rhetoric with real economic opportunities.
Xu noted that China's strategy of "offsetting confrontation with development" has established its image as a responsible global power amid the turbulence of the trade war. By prioritizing cooperation over conflict, China continues to gain recognition and favor across the international community.
(Reporter: Ren Fangjian; English Editor: Zoey Sun)
Related News:
Deepline | With 'ASEAN Visa', China strengthens bonds, driving trade and cultural synergy
OMG | US Congressman: Chinese students score higher than American students, worry less about them!
Comment