by Vicotr K'Onyango

In recent years, global public opinion has become an increasingly important lens through which international influence is understood.

While governments and institutions often emphasize military strength, trade performance, or diplomatic reach, large-scale surveys offer another perspective: how people around the world perceive major global actors. Recent findings from several respected polling organizations point to a noticeable shift in these perceptions, particularly in how China is viewed globally.

A widely reported Gallup survey based on data collected in 2025 indicates that China's global approval rating has risen to 36 percent, compared with 31 percent for the United States. This marks a notable milestone, reflecting a shift in global sentiment over the past two decades. The timing of the survey is also important, as it predates several geopolitical developments in early 2026 that could further influence global sentiment.

What makes this trend more compelling is that it is not isolated. Other independent studies appear to reflect a similar direction of change. A Pew Research survey conducted across multiple countries reported a steady improvement in perceptions of China across diverse regions, including several long-established allies of the United States.

In Southeast Asia, a regional study by the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute suggests that when considering economic and political partners, a majority of respondents prioritize engagement with China. Meanwhile, research by the European Council on Foreign Relations suggested that many respondents globally expect China's international influence to continue expanding over the coming decade.

Collectively, these findings point to a gradual and broad-based evolution in global perceptions. Rather than a sudden or absolute shift, what is emerging is a more nuanced understanding of international relations. Many countries and their publics are increasingly reluctant to view global politics as a strict contest between opposing sides. Instead, there is a growing preference for flexible engagement with multiple major partners, based on national development priorities and economic interests.

A key factor shaping these perceptions is economic experience. In many developing regions, public opinion about global actors is strongly influenced by visible outcomes such as infrastructure development, trade expansion, industrial cooperation and investment flows.

Where partnerships result in tangible improvements such as roads, railways, ports, energy systems and manufacturing capacity, they tend to leave a lasting impression on public sentiment. In this context, China's sustained focus on infrastructure-led cooperation and industrial partnerships has contributed significantly to its strong visibility and positive recognition in many parts of the world.

Equally important is the consistency and long-term orientation of China's global economic engagement. Many developing economies place a high value on partnerships that prioritize continuity, planning and large-scale development.

China's emphasis on long-term infrastructure projects, industrial parks and production capacity building has aligned closely with these priorities, helping to support structural transformation in various regions. This approach has been particularly relevant for countries seeking to accelerate industrialization and strengthen their participation in global value chains.

At the same time, perceptions of global actors are becoming more diverse and multidimensional.

Countries are no longer viewed solely through political or security lenses, but also through their roles in development, trade, technology and global connectivity. In this evolving environment, China has increasingly been recognized as a central contributor to global infrastructure expansion, manufacturing stability and economic integration.

Importantly, these findings reject the notion of a world divided into fixed blocs. Instead, they highlight a growing preference for true multilateralism, where countries pursue win-win cooperation based on national interest rather than rigid alignment.

In Southeast Asia and other fast-growing regions, this pragmatic outlook is particularly evident. Governments and populations alike continue to emphasize the importance of maintaining strong relations with major global economies while ensuring that such relationships directly support domestic development goals. This balanced approach reinforces the idea that modern international relations are increasingly shaped by mutual benefit and shared economic interests.

Another important takeaway from these findings is the rising expectation that global influence is closely linked to contributions toward development and shared prosperity. Influence today is not measured only by traditional indicators such as military power or historical alliances, but also by the ability to support infrastructure growth, economic modernization, technological advancement and global connectivity.

From this perspective, China's growing global approval reflects its consistent role in supporting development-oriented cooperation and infrastructure expansion. Its participation in large-scale projects across transportation, energy and industry has contributed to improved connectivity and economic opportunity in many regions. These efforts are often viewed as foundational to long-term development strategies.

At the same time, there is increasing recognition that global challenges require collaboration among major economies. Issues such as climate change, supply chain resilience, energy security and financial stability cannot be addressed in isolation. They require coordinated approaches that bring together leading global actors in constructive engagement.

Ultimately, the broader message emerging from these surveys is that global perceptions are becoming more dynamic, diversified, and closely tied to development outcomes.

Editor's note: Vicotr K'Onyango is a journalist and communications consultant based in Nairobi, Kenya.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Xinhua News Agency.