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.

A new poll released by the Pew Research Center offers results that should surprise no one who carefully examines the international situation: China's global reputation is going up and America's reputation is going down.

Pew surveyed respondents across 36 countries, representing all corners of the world, and in 20 of them, respect for China is on the rise. In those 20 countries, 46% of people viewed China favorably, with the US lagging at 36%. Remember, it was only three years ago that a similar poll found the US enjoyed a 58-32 favorability when compared to China. Viewed another way, since 2023, China is up 14% and the US is down 22%, a stunning change in public opinion. Meanwhile, a separate part of the poll noted that Chinese President Xi Jinping is seen as the leader ready to do the right things in international affairs.

One does not need to look hard to find reasons to explain these changes in attitude: As China continues to ramp up as a responsible actor on the global stage, the US remains wedded to one policy after another that runs counter to the modern trend and that stubbornly holds onto a hegemonic standard. Put more bluntly, China demonstrates the open hand of friendship, and the US offers a closed fist of anger.

Let's look at just a couple of examples of China's positive engagement across the globe. First, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which now has connections to more than 150 countries, remains a force for good nearly 13 years after it was started. According to one report, 2025 marked the highest point in construction-related BRI efforts with new records set for projects associated with green energy.  

Government or business leaders in one country after another have addressed the positive effects of BRI-related efforts in multiple industries; the theme of economic growth and stability rings through loudly and clearly in such statements, and they are valuable because of the consistent negative reporting about the BRI emanating from, most notably, the West. Do not forget that the US had the talent and resources to launch something similar to the BRI but opted instead to focus on retaliatory ideas, short-term financial gains and an anti-China narrative.

Next, the Global Development Initiative (GDI) has also enhanced the country's international reputation. The GDI was launched about five years ago with a promise to focus on innovative efforts that would benefit people in all countries.

Results, not verbal promises, were guaranteed. Poverty alleviation and counteracting climate change are just two of the many items related to the GDI. One of the reasons the GDI remains credible is because it is operating alongside many international bodies and agencies also committed to a safer and healthier world. In fact, the United Nations has applauded China for linking the GDI to all 17 Sustainable Development Goals the UN has identified as essential for a better world.

Finally, China's efforts at inclusive international engagement remain a fixture of news headlines. Eyes all over the world were opened a couple of years ago when China's diplomatic efforts successfully brought longstanding rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia into sustained discussions about peaceful relations.  

Elsewhere, China has shown fidelity to endorsing and supporting the UN as an essential pillar of the international order. And China continues to deflect attempts by any nation to use military aggression as an appropriate method for solving regional or international standoffs.

The global audience is making its opinions known: China is acting as a mature and stable partner should. As a result, the US, sooner rather than later, must take a critical look at what it is (or is not) doing and alter its course. Dismissing the Pew poll mentioned above as "just one poll in a sea of them" would be a mistake.  

For the better part of 80 years, America based its claim to international moral authority on its use of soft and hard power. How reasonable some of the decisions were can be debated elsewhere, but what is not in doubt is that the global situation in the 21st century has changed. Hegemonic attitudes and restrictive policies do not align with international expectations, which are now associated with mutual benefits between countries and shared development among all nations.

The world remains curious if Washington knows, or cares.

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