A recent 2025 survey conducted by Gallup reveals a notable shift in global public opinion, with China gaining a measurable edge over the United States in leadership approval worldwide.
According to the findings, 36% of respondents expressed approval of China’s leadership, compared to 31% for the United States—marking a five-point gap, the widest recorded since Gallup began tracking these indicators nearly two decades ago.
This shift comes amid a significant decline in the United States’ global standing, with its approval rating dropping from 39% in 2024 to 31% in 2025. In contrast, China has continued to strengthen its international image, with its approval rating rising from 32% to 36% over the same period.
The data highlights a gradual transformation in global sentiment, reflecting intensifying competition between the two powers for political and economic influence on the world stage.
