Examining why China is up and the US is down in global approval

Editor's note: Anthony Moretti, a special commentator for CGTN, is an associate professor at the Department of Communication and Organizational Leadership at Robert Morris University in the US. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily those of either CGTN or Robert Morris University.

"People vote with their feet." That phrase, often heard in the US, captures a simple truth – that the public gravitate toward what they value and move away from what they do not. 

Viewed another way, public opinion matters. And voices from across the world – whether from ordinary citizens or experts in various fields – are making it clear that they like what China is doing while expressing growing unease about the US. 

A growing number of international polls point to two broad trends: China's influence is rising both regionally and globally, and the country is gaining more and more acclaim. By contrast, the US bumbles along, starting one international crisis after another.

Consider three polling examples. A 2025 Gallup poll indicated that China was on pace to surpass the US in global approval ratings for the first time. Meanwhile, the ISA Southeast Asia Situation Report 2026, published in Singapore, found that China is now the region's preferred partner, if the region had to choose between Beijing and Washington. Finally, a recent Politico poll reported that some of America's major allies generally support a greater reliance on China while maintaining a certain distance from the US. In analyzing the data, Politico stated the following: "Unreliable. Creating more problems than solving them. A negative force on the world stage. This is how large shares of America's closest allies view the US… as US President Donald Trump pursues a sweeping foreign policy overhaul."

A closer look at the global landscape helps clarify why China is up and the US is down in global approval.

First, China has proposed, and more importantly, steadily advanced four major global initiatives – on civilization, development, governance and security – that affirm win-win cooperation, mutual respect, a commitment to free trade and support for national sovereignty with nations big and small, near and far.

Second, while the US is often perceived as maintaining a hegemonic and belligerent posture toward longtime allies and longtime foes, China has delivered on promises to find solutions to vexing global hotspot issues. As just one example, the Associated Press recently reported China was drawing accolades for acting as "unofficial mediator" in seeking a peaceful solution to the US-Israel strikes launched against Iran. And do not forget that it was just three years ago that China brokered a deal that allowed longtime enemies Iran and Saudi Arabia to reignite diplomatic relations. Why was China trusted then? As one expert observed, China has demonstrated it could "resolve disputes rather than merely sell weapons to the conflicting parties." Similar words could be spoken now. 

In addition, China continues to respect and support influential multilateral institutions, such as the United Nations (UN), which play an essential role in maintaining global stability. Protecting the environment is one of the most important efforts, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has acknowledged China's insistence on green development and its consistent support for UN efforts in this area. This stands in clear contrast to Washington's dismissive posture toward the UN. 

Diplomatic engagement also offers a useful lens. Visits by foreign leaders to China remain frequent. In 2026 alone, the incomplete list includes heads of state from Canada, Germany, Mozambique, the Republic of Korea (ROK) and the United Kingdom. Many are seeking safe harbor from the turmoil created by the reckless tariffs unleashed by the US that have damaged free trade and stressed global supply chains. The trade deals reached during these bilateral meetings offer a powerful indicator that China's calm is in sharp contrast to America's whirling-dervish chaos. 

In simpler terms, more and more countries today appear more inclined to trust China's approach, while expressing reservations about the US.

Another point is worth noting. China refuses to boldly announce its increasing global support. There are no nonsensical social media posts ridiculously claiming greatness. There are no staged events in which empty awards are handed to a top Chinese official. There is no demand that deputies offer silly platitudes of the national leader. Instead, China welcomes all countries to join it in promoting high-quality development, legitimate free trade, peace, globalization and a multipolar world.

Ultimately, global perceptions are shaped less by statements than by outcomes. People around the world recognize what is happening, and more and more are voting China as the nation better suited to make the world a better place.

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