Two-Thirds of 24 Countries Negative Reviews on China: Survey Reveals
Pew Research Center study shows negative reviews on China across the world, especially in high-income countries.
China, despite being the globe’s second-largest economy, faces a diminishing international reputation as an economic giant, especially in high- and middle-income nations, reveals a recent Pew Research Center survey. The survey, disclosed on Thursday, highlights predominantly unfavorable sentiments toward China, with 67 percent of respondents expressing negativity about Beijing, in stark contrast to the 28 percent holding positive views.
Pew conducted a survey of over 30,000 adults in 24 countries, spanning the United States, Mexico, Germany, Australia, Brazil, Israel, Nigeria, Japan, and India. The findings revealed that unfavorable views towards China were predominant in high-income nations, specifically Australia, Sweden, South Korea, and Japan.
Notably, the negative sentiment was significant in the U.S. In response to an open-ended question, 50 percent of respondents identified Beijing as the primary threat to Washington, contrasting with only 17 percent who pointed to Moscow.
Respondents in countries like Indonesia, Nigeria, and Mexico have shown notably positive views of China. This positive sentiment is likely influenced by various factors, ranging from China’s contribution to 5G internet in middle-income nations to significant investments in projects like the extensive Belt and Road infrastructure initiative.
India, on the other hand, stands out among middle-income nations due to strained relations with China, marked by issues including a disputed 3,500km (2,175-mile) border across the Himalayas. The Pew survey revealed a notable shift, with 67 percent of Indian respondents expressing negative opinions about Beijing, a significant increase from 46 percent in 2019. Despite close economic ties, the sentiments toward China in India have become increasingly unfavorable.
Economy: Negative Reviews on China
China is now considered a distant second to the US in economic influence. While 42 percent of respondents chose the United States as the world’s top economic power, only 33 percent named China in the same position.
Public opinion in Europe, especially in Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, and Sweden, has notably soured, mirroring a decline in American sentiments toward China.
According to this year’s Pew survey, the percentage of US respondents identifying China as the world’s top economic power has dropped to 38%, down from 43% in 2022.
One positive aspect is the global acknowledgment of the Chinese tech industry, rated as the best by 19% of respondents worldwide and above average by 51%.
The overall decline in perceptions may be attributed to China’s highly visible struggle to recover from COVID-19. The pandemic hit hard in 2020 and resurged in 2022 due to stringent anti-pandemic measures.
Efforts by Beijing to revitalize the economy this year have faced challenges amid a global downturn. Additionally, global investors remain skeptical of China’s commitment to supporting the private sector.
Global peacemaking
Beijing’s efforts to position itself as a global peacemaker faced setbacks this year. Despite mediating the restoration of Saudi Arabia and Iran relations and expressing willingness to play a similar role in Ukraine and Palestine, China’s image suffered.
According to Pew Research Center, 71% of respondents believe China “does not contribute to global peace and stability,” while only 23% hold positive views of its diplomatic efforts. Additionally, 57% see China as interventionist in global affairs, contradicting Beijing’s portrayed non-interference stance.
Concerns extend to Chinese President Xi Jinping’s global leadership, with 74% expressing little or no confidence in his ability to handle world affairs. Notable exceptions were observed in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa.
In the surveyed African nations, China’s soft power earned top marks across various sectors, including the military, education, entertainment, technology, and standard of living.
Specifically, 69% of respondents in Nigeria considered China the best or above average in these areas, with slightly lower percentages in Kenya (58%) and South Africa (55%).
Contrastingly, only 27% in South Korea, 33% in Israel, and 35% in Germany shared a similar viewpoint.
Record high negative ratings for China in most countries surveyed
In middle-income countries, fewer people criticize China’s global behavior, and many find appeal in China’s “soft power.” These nations generally offer positive ratings for China’s entertainment, universities, and standard of living. In contrast, high-income countries exhibit less agreement on these fronts.
Regarding technology, there’s a consensus across all 24 surveyed countries. About 69% view China’s technological achievements as the best or above average among wealthy nations. A similar trend is observed in both high- and middle-income countries. Additionally, 54% perceive China’s military as among the world’s best.
However, perceptions of China as the leading economic power have waned in recent years. More people now consider the United States as the top economic power (42%) compared to China (33%). This shift is particularly notable in high-income countries, with significant drops in China’s recognition, notably in Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, and Sweden.
In the U.S., there has been a noteworthy shift in views over the past year. While 43% previously considered China and the U.S. as equal economic powers in 2022, the latest data shows a shift with 48% now naming the U.S. and 38% naming China. (For further insights into American perspectives on China, refer to “Americans are Critical of China’s Global Role – as Well as Its Relationship With Russia.”)
These insights are derived from a recent Pew Research Center survey conducted between Feb. 20 and May 22, 2023, encompassing more than 30,000 respondents across 24 countries. Additional survey findings cover China’s overall image, perceptions of Chinese foreign policy, evaluations of President Xi Jinping, opinions on Chinese soft power, and assessments of its economic strength.
Overall ratings for China
In many surveyed high-income countries across North America, Western Europe, and parts of the Asia-Pacific region, a significant majority holds unfavorable views of China. This trend has persisted for several years. Negative perceptions in nearly every high-income country are currently at or close to historical peaks. The prevailing sentiment is not a sudden rise from the previous year but rather a continuation of consistently high negative views in recent years. Notably, Poland stands out as an exception, with a 12-point increase in negative views during a period of tense bilateral relations, possibly linked to China’s actions during the war in Ukraine.