For the first time in 20 years, China's global public favorability has surpassed the United States. A new survey released by Pew Research Center has overturned many people's old perceptions. The study covered 36 countries worldwide. Surprisingly, most ordinary people across these countries now hold a more positive view of China.
Even traditional US allies, including Canada, Australia, France and Germany, have shifted their attitudes. Eight countries even scored their highest favorability ratings for China in history. Only six countries, such as Japan, South Korea, India and the Philippines, still favor the United States. Multiple polls this year have shown the similar result.
The reason is simple. The United States has long been seen as unstable and unpredictable. It often intervenes in other countries' affairs and stirs up regional conflicts. Its handling of issues including Iran, Venezuela and the Israel-Palestine conflict has made many nations feel uneasy. On the contrary, China always keeps a steady and consistent diplomatic style. It never interferes in other countries' internal affairs and always sticks to win-win cooperation. To most foreigners, China is a reliable, calm and responsible major power. Even America's neighbors, Canada and Mexico, now prefer China.
Many people have heard of the "Thucydides Trap", which means rising powers and established powers are doomed to conflict. But this old theory no longer fits today's world. The global economy and relations are deeply connected. That's why the two countries reached important consensus this year: maintain a constructive China-US relationship of strategic stability.
To be objective, this poll does not mean the US has lost its strength. But it clearly shows one major change: the world's judgment standard has shifted. In today's turbulent world, it is reliability that wins hearts.
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