Editor's note: Gao Jian, a special commentator for CGTN, is the director of the Center for British and Chinese Humanities Exchange, Shanghai International Studies University. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

Recently, the Pew Research Center released a highly significant result from its latest opinion poll: Across 36 countries surveyed globally, public favorability toward China has historically surpassed that toward the United States in 25 of them.

Since the center began tracking global perceptions of both China and the US in 2002, this marks the first time that China's overall image has overtaken the US in the minds of citizens from so many nations. This tilt in the balance of public opinion is by no means an accidental fluctuation in public discourse.

A solid "material foundation" for cultural identity

First and foremost, the tremendous success of Chinese-style modernization has built a solid "material foundation" for the international dissemination and global recognition of Chinese culture.

The leap in China's cultural soft power finds the most crucial bedrock in its tangible "hard power." For years, China's contribution to global economic growth has remained around 30% on average, making it a well-deserved engine of the world economy. From infrastructure projects that benefit various nations to photovoltaic and new energy vehicles leading the green transition, and to "Made in China" and "Intelligent Manufacturing in China" reaching every corner of the globe, Chinese products are widely welcomed worldwide.

When ordinary citizens across the globe enjoy the practical dividends of China's development, their favorability and identification with China naturally arise from the heart. This sense of identity, built on mutual benefit, win-win cooperation, and shared development, constitutes the most profound and enduring cultural bond.

Chinese wisdom addressing global governance dilemmas

Second, Chinese proposals and wisdom align with the general expectations of the international community, serving as a pivotal force in breaking the gridlock of global governance.

In international affairs, China centers its philosophy on building a community with a shared future for humanity, advocating for a new, egalitarian, and orderly world political order alongside a universally beneficial and inclusive world economic order. Facing a volatile and changing world, China has successively proposed the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative, and the Global Governance Initiative. These Chinese solutions encapsulate Chinese wisdom and promote integration and mutual learning among different nation-states.

China is not only a steadfast defender of world peace but also a major provider of public goods. Through the Belt and Road Initiative, China has materialized the grand narrative of "a community with a shared future for humanity" into tangible highways, bridges, and cooperation projects, injecting strong and sustained momentum into global economic development and infrastructural connectivity. These concrete public goods have played an indispensable role in fostering integration, cooperaion, and mutual learning among countries, truly allowing global citizens to share more broadly in the benefits of development.

A mirror to Western governance crises

Third, the successful paradigm of Chinese social governance forms a striking contemporary mirror to the Western governance models currently mired in crisis.

Today, Western society is widely plagued by a series of social governance crises, the essence of which lies in the inherent cultural crisis of the Western model of modernization. Party politics have been deeply hijacked and manipulated by capital interest groups. The so-called modern Western democratic system fails to respond effectively to the basic needs of the public. An increasingly polarized political ecosystem places partisan struggles above national interests, making it difficult to formulate effective social governance policies based on consensus.

In recent years, Western society has exhibited a severe trend of fragmentation, characterized by widening wealth gaps, lack of social security, deteriorating public safety, and rampant gender and ethnic conflicts. This internal tearing and chaos inevitably spills over, resulting in a decline in national image. In contrast, while pursuing rapid economic development, Chinese-style modernization has maintained long-term social stability. Today, the development of a "Beautiful China" embodying ecological civilization, a "Healthy China" weaving the world's largest basic medical security network, and a "Safe China" providing citizens with a profound sense of security have collectively become an outstanding paradigm of modern social governance.

For many middle-income and developing countries exploring their own paths to development, China offers an entirely alternative, proven, and effective choice for modernization that differs from the West. This immense advantage in governance efficacy is precisely the internal driving force behind the continuous rise of China's international favorability.

The enduring appeal of traditional values

The success of Chinese-style modernization is deeply rooted in the excellent cultural heritage of the Chinese nation.

Its cultural foundations, spiritual values, along with the distinctive vision of Chinese-style modernization are demonstrating an enduring appeal that transcends national boundaries and stands the test of time.

Global interest in and recognition of China do not stop at the economic achievements or policy levels. To a large extent, they are also closely intertwined with the cultural traditions, intellectual heritage, and enduring wisdom that underpin the Chinese nation's development path.

At a historical juncture where the old and new international orders are transitioning, human society once again stands at a crossroads. In handling specific international affairs, China always adheres to the practical principles of "valuing harmony" and "harmony without uniformity." The responsibility China displays as a major country profoundly validates the philosophical wisdom of "universal harmony under heaven" inherent in Chinese culture.

The Chinese lifestyle – which balances collective interests with individual development – alongside its values that emphasize family ethics and value diligence and wisdom, holds a strong appeal for countries worldwide. The spirit of innovation, inclusiveness, and peace embedded in Chinese culture provides valuable inspiration and guidance for individuals in today's world who are searching for meaning and direction amid rapid social changes and uncertainty.

The Pew Research Center's poll acts as a mirror of our times, truly reflecting the shift in global public sentiment and mirroring the profound evolution of the international landscape. The global favorability toward China reinforces our conviction that China is firmly walking on the correct path of development.

Along this broad path toward peace, development, cooperation, and win-win outcomes, a just cause enjoys broad support, and the number of those who choose to walk this path together will continue to grow. A more open, prosperous, and confident China will undoubtedly inject greater certainty and positive energy into an ever-changing world.

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