China Edges Past U.S. in Global Approval as Confidence in Both Powers Remains Weak

U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping talk as they leave after a bilateral meeting at Gimhae International Airport, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, in Busan, South Korea, October 30, 2025. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein/File Photo

China overtook the United States in global leadership approval for the first time in nearly two decades, according to new Gallup data, signaling a subtle but meaningful shift in international sentiment.

The shift stems less from a surge in support for Beijing than from a steady erosion of confidence in Washington, as U.S. ratings fall back to historic lows while China’s continue to climb.

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by Eric Olander

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