China rises in world opinion as U.S. approval hits negative territory

China's global favorability has surged sharply while the U.S. rating has turned negative, a shift driven largely by the Trump administration's trade policy, according to an analysis by an American business intelligence firm.

As of late May, China's global net favorability stood at +8.8, while the U.S. rating hit -1.5, a sharp contrast from +20 in January last year, Morning Consult found in a poll.

The poll, conducted among 4,900 adults in 41 countries from January 1 to April 30, measured global favorability shifts toward China and the U.S., excluding domestic respondents from both countries.

Between January and April 2025, 38 out of 41 countries reported declining favorability toward the U.S., while 34 saw improving views of China. Only in Russia did attitudes toward America significantly improve – a shift that coincided with Donald Trump's return to the presidency in January.

Countries that flipped from "pro-U.S." to "pro-China" include key American allies like Germany, Canada, Norway, the Netherlands and Spain, expanding China's "favorability bloc" from 13 countries at the beginning of the year to 29 by April. Meanwhile, only 13 countries remain more favorable toward the U.S., and even among them – including Australia, Japan, India and South Korea – about one-third of respondents tilt neutral or negative.

According to the report, the single biggest factor behind this dramatic reversal is the Trump administration's tariff-centered trade policy – particularly the announcement of sweeping duties on April 2, dubbed "Liberation Day." Morning Consult found this move dealt a "decisive reputational blow" to the U.S.

"The reputational damage done by the 'Liberation Day' tariff announcements has now sealed the deal," the report stated.

Although a short-term rebound did occur in May, following a 90-day tariff détente between Washington and Beijing. 

Jason McMann, head of political intelligence at Morning Consult, cautioned that underlying damage to American soft power is far from repaired.

The U.S. is beginning to experience concrete economic repercussions as its global image deteriorates, according to the Morning Consult.

The report highlighted a notable decline in foreign tourism, as international visitors are increasingly discouraged by stricter U.S. visa policies and growing anti-immigrant sentiment.

Meanwhile, overseas consumer interest in American-made products has weakened, with many expressing rising skepticism toward U.S. brands.

The education sector is also feeling the impact. The number of international students applying to American universities has fallen, posing a potential threat to a key source of academic funding and global talent.

In addition, investor confidence in U.S. assets appears to be waning amid concerns over fiscal instability. The report noted that provisions buried in recent Republican tax legislation may be contributing to a reduced appetite for U.S. financial instruments.

Analysts also warned that if such trends persist, they could pose long-term challenges to the U.S. economy and its global competitiveness.

"As views of the United States worsen, trade and investment opportunities for American firms may diminish as consumers abroad shun the products and job opportunities they provide," McMann warned.

(Cover: A view of a shopping area in Shenzhen, China, May 31, 2025. /VCG)