- Trump one year into second term weakens America.
- New poll: China seen as ascendant globally now.
- World citizens favor China's rising power status.
- Few view U.S. as strengthening under Trump.
This change has been expedited by Trump's "America First" policies, which include high tariffs on both allies and enemies as well as his mistrust of the U.S.-led system of alliances that force countries into Beijing's circle. In the meantime, Washington is seen with less fear by America's adversaries, who believe that the days of uncontested Western domination are over.
These are the results of the most recent global poll conducted in November by the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), which included 25,949 respondents from 21 different countries.
“Donald Trump did not go into politics to make China great again,”
the ECFR, a European think tank, said.
“But that is what the latest poll of global public opinion…suggests he has done in the eyes of the world.”
The survey was conducted at a time when the Trump administration has taken a very different stance toward its traditional allies. One such instance is Vice President JD Vance's speech to the Munich Security Conference in February, during which he criticized European countries on matters such as election integrity and freedom of speech.
In an attempt to seize control of Greenland, a region of NATO member Denmark, Trump and his deputy chief of staff, Stephen Miller, have recently refused to rule out using force.
According to the poll, the majority of people in numerous major countries including 54% of Americans, 53% of inhabitants of the European Union, 51% of Indians, and 72% of Brazilians believe China will have greater global influence over the next ten years.
In the meantime, less people appear to be afraid of China's development.
The majority of people only consider China to be a foe or enemy in South Korea and Ukraine. On the other hand, at least half of Russians, South Africans, Brazilians, Turks, and Europeans describe China as an ally or essential partner.
However, China's rise does not imply that America would deteriorate.
A possible return to a multipolar world is indicated by the fact that while fewer than half of respondents said they thought the United States would grow stronger, many said they thought it would continue to have influence on the international scene.
Only 20% of Russians and 34% of Chinese believe that America will become more powerful worldwide, which is another opinion held by the country's worst enemies. On the other hand, a sizable majority of South Africans, Brazilians, and Indians agreed.
In several nations and blocs, such as China, Ukraine, and the EU, the percentage of respondents who characterize the United States as an ally has decreased concurrently.
What reasons do experts give for rising views of China in 2026?
Experts attribute rising global views of China in 2026 to its aggressive drive in AI, robotics, biotech, and amount computing under the 15th Five- Time Plan, situating Beijing as a leader in" new quality productive forces" that drive high- end manufacturing dominance.
China's pivot from low- cost exports to invention- led growth, coupled with targeted structure spending and domestic demand expansion, counters US tariffs effectively, fostering comprehension of stability amid Trump's alternate- term dislocations.
Advancements in Belt and Road extensions, Global Security Initiative outreach in South Asia and Central Asia, and a measured response to trade pressures enhance China's image as a dependable mate, especially in the Global South where development models reverberate explosively.