China's improving global image reflects its appeal and openness

A recent Pew Research Center survey shows that China is now viewed more favourably than the United States in most of the 36 countries polled. In many nations, positive perceptions of China have reached their highest levels since records began. The findings add to a growing body of international surveys pointing to a similar conclusion: that China, with its commitment to peaceful development, shared prosperity, innovation, and openness, is gaining trust and positive views worldwide. The detail of the findings paints a very clear picture. Among 20 comparable economies, mostly high-income countries, the median percentage of respondents expressing a favourable view of China was 46 per cent, compared to 36 per cent for the United States. In many middle-income countries, respondents also tended to see China as a reliable partner and a contributor to global peace and stability. These findings are not isolated. Earlier this year, Gallup reported that global approval of China’s leadership had surpassed that of the United States by the largest margin in nearly two decades. Similar conclusions have emerged from surveys conducted by ASEAN think tanks, Brand Finance’s Global Soft Power Index, and other international institutions. The figures only tell part of the story. Behind the changing numbers lies a broader recognition of China’s contributions to the world. China has become an increasingly important source of global stability and growth. By expanding high-level openness, China continues to share development opportunities with the rest of the world. More importantly, China is increasingly making innovation a global public good, rather than a privilege for the few. The recently concluded World AI Conference 2026 in Shanghai illustrated this commitment. In addition to showcasing breakthroughs in frontier technology, China proposed the establishment of a World AI Cooperation Organization to help developing countries bridge the digital divide. As AI reshapes the global economy, China continues to advocate for technological progress that benefits everyone, rather than deepening inequalities. China’s appeal is also deeply rooted in a philosophy of mutually beneficial cooperation. Through high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, China has helped expand connectivity and development across the globe. From the China-Laos Railway and the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway to the Chancay Port in Peru, major infrastructure projects have created new opportunities for growth. Meanwhile, development initiatives such as Juncao technology, Luban Workshops, and medical aid programmes have delivered tangible benefits to local communities. The rise in positive views of China is driven not by political slogans, but by real development and shared prosperity. China’s growing international standing also reflects its firm commitment to maintaining peace and improving global governance. Through the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative, and the Global Governance Initiative, China continues to provide public goods to address shared global challenges. In an increasingly turbulent world, China has proven itself to be a force for stability, rather than a source of confrontation. Cultural appeal has also contributed to the improvement in international perceptions of China. Chinese cultural products are reaching a much wider global audience than ever before. The phenomenal international success of the animated film “Ne Zha 2” and the video game “Black Myth: Wukong” has rekindled global interest in Chinese mythology and traditional culture. Following the inclusion of the Spring Festival on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Chinese New Year celebrations are becoming increasingly global. With the highest number of UNESCO intangible cultural heritage elements in the world, China continues to present its ancient civilization through a modern, open, and confident lens. More and more young people are coming to know China as a creative, diverse, and welcoming country. Ultimately, the rise in positive global sentiment towards China is a natural response to a country that pursues development through openness, advances cooperation through mutual benefit, promotes peace through dialogue, and enriches the world through cultural exchange. China has long believed that when the world prospers, China prospers, and when China prospers, the world benefits. As more countries experience China’s development first-hand, this belief is increasingly being recognized by people around the world.