How the world views China vs the US in 2026

Global perceptions of the world’s two biggest powers are changing. How different from the time when I grew up.

According to a 2026 Pew Research Center survey of more than 42,000 people across 36 countries:

China is viewed more favorably than the U.S. in 27 of 36 countries surveyed.

• China’s highest favorability: Pakistan — 90%

• U.S. highest favorability: Israel — 81%

• Canada and Mexico now view China more favorably than the U.S.

• The same is true in several major European allies, including France, Germany and the UK.

• Meanwhile, several U.S. allies closer to China continue to favor Washington.

The geopolitical competition between Washington and Beijing isn’t only about trade, technology, AI or military power. It’s also a battle for global influence — and public opinion is becoming an increasingly important part of it.

Sources: Visual Capitalist, Pew research