China moves ahead of US in Gallup global leadership approval survey

Washington: China has moved ahead of the United States in global leadership approval ratings, according to a new Gallup survey that showed a shift in international perceptions as US President Donald Trump faces falling support at home amid economic pressure and a controversial conflict with Iran.

The survey found China’s global approval rating rose to 36% in 2025, while the US fell to 31%. It is the first time in nearly two decades that Beijing has surpassed Washington in Gallup’s worldwide leadership perception data, and the largest gap in China’s favour in recent years.

The figures indicate that the change was driven more by declining confidence in the US than by a major rise in support for China. Gallup’s findings showed global approval of the US dropped from 39% in 2024, while disapproval climbed to 48%, the highest level recorded by the polling organisation.

China’s ratings were comparatively steady. Its approval increased from 32% to 36%, while disapproval remained around 37%. Analysts said the data suggests Beijing is benefiting from Washington’s weakening image rather than undergoing a dramatic expansion in its own global appeal.

The results come at a time when many countries, including longstanding US allies, are reassessing their positions in an increasingly fragmented and multipolar world. Perceptions of US leadership have been affected by foreign policy choices, economic uncertainty and political polarisation within the country.

Former senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed commented on the development in a post on X, saying:

Global public opinion has now shifted decisively against USA & overwhelmingly in favour of China, with Pakistan emerging as among five top countries most friendly towards the People’s Republic of China! New World Order spearheaded by China is now backed by the World’s majority!

The decline in international confidence has coincided with growing domestic dissatisfaction with Trump. A Reuters/Ipsos survey cited in the report found the US president’s approval rating had fallen to 36%, the lowest level of his current term.

That poll pointed to broad concern over the administration’s handling of the economy, especially as fuel prices rise following escalating tensions with Iran. The conflict has also prompted concern among American voters, with a majority expressing unease over the human and economic costs of continued military involvement.

On cost-of-living issues, only about a quarter of respondents in the Reuters/Ipsos survey said they approved of Trump’s handling of inflation and household expenses, highlighting the political pressure created by persistent economic strain.

The confrontation with Iran has further complicated matters for the White House, straining US resources and drawing criticism from international observers, which has added to perceptions of an increasingly unilateral and unpredictable American approach to world affairs.

For China, the changing global mood presents an opening to project itself as a steadier and more dependable partner internationally. Beijing has worked to widen its diplomatic and economic reach through infrastructure investment, trade ties and multilateral engagement, particularly across the Global South.

At the same time, experts cautioned against overstating China’s gains. Despite moving ahead of the US, China’s 36% approval rating still points to sharply divided global opinion. Concerns remain in many regions over transparency, human rights and strategic influence, limiting Beijing’s ability to convert improved perceptions into broad-based support.

The survey nonetheless points to a symbolic shift in global opinion. Neither the US nor China commands majority global approval, reflecting a wider lack of confidence in international leadership, but the latest figures suggest the balance of perception between the two powers is changing.