Pew Poll Shows Shift in Global Views: China Outpaces US in Favorability; Q2 GDP Growth Slows

A recent survey by the Pew Research Center reveals that China is now viewed more favourably than the United States in many countries, marking a significant shift in global perceptions. The poll, conducted between February and May across 36 countries, includes responses from over 42,000 individuals. This reversal follows a period when China's favourability hit near-historic lows during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key findings indicate that while many people still lack confidence in Chinese President Xi Jinping, positive views of him have become more widespread, and overall confidence in Xi exceeds that in US President Donald Trump. However, the US continues to be rated higher on respecting personal freedoms. Pakistan recorded the most favourable views of China relative to the US, while Israel showed the opposite. India also had more positive views of the US than China.

The survey notes that the shift is driven by both improving views of China and worsening views of the US, particularly amid turbulent US policies under the Trump administration. Although developed and Western nations still tend to view the US more favourably, the gap has narrowed. Notably, four of the six countries that rated the US ahead are in the Asia-Pacific region: India, Japan, the Philippines, and South Korea, despite strong economic ties with China.

China's state-directed media celebrated the report, with an editorial in the Global Times arguing that China's policy stability contrasts with erratic US policies that sometimes lead to humanitarian and economic turmoil.

Separately, China released economic data for the second quarter of 2025 (April to June), showing a GDP growth rate of 4.3%. This is below the annual target of 4.5% to 5% and the first-quarter growth of 5%. The figure is among the lowest in recent years, with a lower rate last recorded during 2022 amid COVID-19 restrictions. Exports, however, grew by 27% in June compared to the previous year, including AI-related exports.

In diplomatic developments, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to discuss areas of mutual significance ahead of President Xi Jinping's planned official visit to the US in September. The meeting underscored ongoing efforts to manage bilateral relations amid global challenges.