Global Views on Favorable Images and Perceptions of the US and China Revealed in Recent Survey
ICARO Media Group
In a recent global survey conducted by Pew Research Center, the favorable views of the United States and China were analyzed across 24 countries. The findings indicate a significant difference in the shares of people who hold positive opinions of the two superpowers.
The survey reveals that, on balance, views of the United States are significantly more positive than views of China, and this divide is growing. The disparity is most pronounced in high-income countries, where the majority of respondents hold positive views of the US compared to fewer than three-in-ten who have favorable opinions of China in countries such as Poland, Japan, and South Korea.
In middle-income countries, however, views of both powers are generally positive, resulting in a smaller difference in opinions. Nigeria is the only country where more favorable opinions were expressed about China than the US, although both countries received positive ratings from a majority of Nigerians.
Hungary and Kenya stand out as the only countries where the shares of adults who rate the US and China favorably are nearly equal. In Hungary, positive ratings of the US are the minority opinion, while in Kenya, approximately seven-in-ten individuals view both superpowers favorably.
The survey also explored perceptions of the US and China as the world's leading economic power. Although the US economy is larger, the study found that most surveyed publics see the US as the leading economic power. The perception of the US as the top economy has increased in numerous countries, including Sweden, where 51% now consider the US as the leading economy.
South Koreans overwhelmingly view the US as the world's top economy, with a significant difference in favor of the US also observed in Japan, Poland, Israel, and India. However, Italy stands out as the only country where a majority considers China the leading economy.
The survey also delved into perceptions of American and Chinese investment. Results showed that the general sentiment varies across different countries. For example, in Australia, Indonesia, Kenya, and South Africa, similar shares of respondents found both American and Chinese investment beneficial to their country's economy. Conversely, in Argentina, respondents were equally likely to perceive both American and Chinese investment as not benefiting their country.
When it comes to ratings of American and Chinese technology, both are widely seen as technological powerhouses, but opinions differ by country. American technology receives more overall positive ratings in seven countries, while Chinese technology garners more positive evaluations in ten countries. Respondents in each country hold distinct views on the quality, price, and data security of technology products from the US and China.
In terms of military prowess, majorities in most countries surveyed regard the American military as above average or the best compared to other wealthy nations, while China's military receives similar ratings in about half of the countries. Israel stands out for its nearly unanimous positive ratings of the US forces, while the gap in ratings between the two militaries is largest in Israel.
Opinions on American and Chinese entertainment also vary, with American entertainment being more highly regarded globally than Chinese entertainment. High-income countries, in particular, have a more favorable view of American entertainment, while sub-Saharan African countries offer the highest praise for Chinese entertainment, although US entertainment still receives higher ratings.
When it comes to the perception of American and Chinese universities, the survey indicates a clear preference for American universities across all countries surveyed. The US receives significantly more positive ratings in each country, with variations in the gaps between high- and middle-income countries.
Perceptions of the standard of living in the US and China also vary, with greater shares of respondents considering the standard of living in the US as above average or the best. Israelis and Poles exhibit a particularly skewed view in favor of the US, while high-income countries show lower ratings for both countries' standards of living overall.
Furthermore, there is a noticeable difference in views on personal freedoms. The US government is generally perceived as more respectful of personal freedoms compared to the Chinese government. This sentiment is especially pronounced in South Korea, Taiwan, and most European countries.
Lastly, confidence in the American and Chinese presidents is largely in favor of US President Joe Biden. Respondents across the surveyed countries are nearly three times more likely to express confidence in President Biden than Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The findings of this survey highlight the contrasting perceptions of the United States and China on various global aspects, including favorability, economics, investment, technology, military power, entertainment, education, standards of living, personal freedoms, and leadership. These differing views shed light on the complex dynamics and varying opinions that exist across the international community.