China Surpasses U.S. in Global Approval Ratings for 2025

In 2025, China achieved a significant milestone by surpassing the United States in global approval ratings, marking the largest margin in nearly two decades. According to a Gallup report, China's median global approval rating rose to 36%, while the U.S. rating fell to 31%. This shift represents a 13% increase for China and a 21% decrease for the U.S. from the previous year. The report highlights that this is the first time since 2020 that China has outperformed the U.S. in approval ratings, a trend that has been observed only twice in the past twenty years.

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The decline in U.S. approval ratings is particularly notable among its allies. In 2025, approval of U.S. leadership decreased by 10 points or more in 44 countries, with Germany experiencing the most significant drop of 39 points. Other countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom, and Italy, also reported substantial decreases. Conversely, Israel's approval of U.S. leadership rose by more than 10 points to 76%, attributed to the ongoing conflict with Hamas.

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The Gallup survey, conducted in over 130 countries, indicates that the perceptions of U.S. and Chinese leadership are increasingly polarized. Julie Ray, managing editor for world news at Gallup, noted that the situation on the ground significantly impacts how countries view leadership. The survey results predate major geopolitical events, including the U.S. withdrawal from 66 international organizations and the onset of the Iran war, which may further influence public sentiment.

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Critics of U.S. leadership have pointed to the declining approval ratings as indicative of a broader dissatisfaction with U.S. foreign policy and its global standing. The report suggests that many countries are now more open to balancing their relationships among major powers rather than aligning strictly with the U.S. This shift could complicate U.S. diplomatic efforts and influence international business dynamics.

Gallup

While the Gallup report indicates a clear decline in U.S. approval ratings, it does not provide a comprehensive analysis of the reasons behind these changes. Additionally, the report does not explore the potential long-term implications of these shifts on global power dynamics or the responses from U.S. policymakers.

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• “How your country is relating to these other countries definitely, I think, factors into how people are perceiving it,” — Julie Ray, Managing Editor for World News, Gallup

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• “situation on the ground definitely does matter to how people are viewing things and how they’re locally impacted.” — Julie Ray, Managing Editor for World News, Gallup

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The 2025 Gallup report underscores a significant shift in global perceptions of leadership, with China gaining ground while the U.S. faces increasing disapproval. This trend reflects a world moving toward a more multipolar order, where countries may seek to balance their relationships across major powers. For policymakers and businesses, these changing sentiments signal a less predictable environment, necessitating a reevaluation of strategies in international engagement and investment.

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