China has surpassed the United States in global leadership approval ratings for the first time since 2020, according to Gallup's 2025 World Poll. The survey, published on Friday, reveals 36% of respondents worldwide approve of China's leadership, compared to 31% for the US — marking the largest margin in Beijing's favor recorded in nearly two decades.
The shift reflects a four-point rise in China's approval since 2024, while US ratings fell eight points to pre-2024 lows. Disapproval of US leadership reached a record 48%, with sharp declines observed across 44 countries including key NATO allies like Germany (-39 points) and Portugal (-38 points).
Analysts attribute China's gains to sustained economic partnerships across Asia and Africa, though the poll data precedes major 2026 geopolitical developments like the US withdrawal from 66 international organizations in January. Israel emerged as a notable exception, with US approval rebounding 13 points to 76% following political changes in Washington.
Gallup's annual survey, conducted across 130+ countries, measures perceptions of the world's four major powers. While China previously led during the Bush and Trump administrations, this five-point gap signals a sustained trend, with Beijing currently expanding cultural diplomacy efforts like streamlined tourist visas showcased in recent Forbidden City visitor statistics.
