CGTN poll: 80% of global respondents show confidence in China's economy

"China's economy is underpinned by a stable foundation, multiple advantages, strong resilience and great potential, and the supporting conditions and fundamental trends for long-term sound economic development have not changed. The strengths of socialism with Chinese characteristics as well as the country's enormous market, complete industrial system and abundant talent resources are becoming more pronounced." This is the latest assessment of China's economy by the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee at a meeting convened on Wednesday. 

A CGTN survey conducted from 2023 to 2025, polling 47,000 respondents across 46 countries, shows that global participants hold a favorable view of China's economic strength, potential and resilience, with confidence in China's economy steadily rising.

The poll reveals widespread optimism about China's long-term economic prospects, with confidence levels reaching 74.7 percent (2023), 81.3 percent (2024), and 81.9 percent (2025) over three consecutive years. Additionally, respondents consistently recognize China's critical role in stabilizing global industrial and supply chains, with approval ratings of 78.5 percent (2023), 84.3 percent (2024) and 84.7 percent (2025). 

In the 2025 survey, 89.5 percent of respondents praise China's strong economic performance, with over 90 percent of approval among young respondents (18–44 years old). As many as 89.3 percent of respondents acknowledge China's high-growth momentum. In addition, 86.4 percent of respondents fully acknowledge China's significant contributions to the world economy. Among regional breakdowns, Africa, South America and Asia rank top three in favorable views, with approval rates reaching 95.6 percent, 92.9 percent and 85.6 percent respectively. Notably, respondents aged 18-44 across the three regions express over 88 percent approval.

The CPC Central Committee noted that the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030) will see profound and complex changes as strategic opportunities, risks and challenges are concurrent and uncertainties and unforeseen factors are rising. The survey finds that amid the complex global landscape, respondents are confident in the certainty and vast opportunities of the Chinese market, and widely regard trade with China as beneficial. According to the poll, 72.6 percent view China as an open and competitive market. 

Meanwhile, 79.8 percent believe China's massive market offers major opportunities for their home countries. Moreover, 79.8 percent hail China's business-friendly environment as highly attractive to foreign investors. Against the background of the U.S. tariff hikes, 78 percent of respondents say their countries benefit from trade with China, with approval ratings exceeding 81 percent among young respondents (18–44). Africa (90.6 percent), South America (84.9 percent), and Oceania (78.3 percent) are the three regions with the highest approval ratings. The poll also reveals that when comparing trade benefits, 48.3 percent of respondents favor China over the United States, while only 20.1 percent see more advantage in trading with the United States.

At the meeting, the CPC Central Committee emphasized deepening reforms, developing new quality productive forces led by technological innovation, and expanding high-standard opening-up, core principles that resonated strongly in the 2025 survey. 

When evaluating China's high-quality development concepts, the top five most favorably viewed initiatives are: developing manufacturing and the real economy (53.9 percent), innovation-driven development (46.8 percent), high-standard opening-up (45.7 percent), balancing development and security (38.8 percent), and sustainable development (38.7 percent). 

As to China's high-standard opening-up policies, the top five rated aspects are: promoting innovation and green transition through openness (42.8 percent), aligning with international high-standard trade rules (42.7 percent), facilitating trade and investment liberalization and facilitation (41.2 percent), improving IP protection and ensuring fair competition (39.3 percent), and opposing unilateralism and protectionism (37.5 percent).

The survey was conducted by CGTN in partnership with the New Era International Communication Research Institute, which was jointly established by China Media Group (CMG) and Renmin University of China (RUC). The survey covered major developed nations and Global South countries, with respondents consisting of the general population aged 18 and above. The sample composition mirrors national census data for age and gender in each country.