International views of China, Russia have become more closely associated with views of their leaders
Median correlation between confidence in Xi Jinping/Vladimir Putin to do the right thing regarding world affairs and favorability of China/Russia

Note: The Pearson correlations shown above are medians based on 23 countries: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Poland, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden and the U.K.
Source: Spring 2026 Global Attitudes Survey.
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
International views of China, Russia have become more closely associated with views of their leaders
Median correlation between confidence in Xi Jinping/Vladimir Putin to do the right thing regarding world affairs and favorability of China/Russia
| Year | Xi/China | Putin/Russia |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 0.35 | 0.46 |
| 2019 | 0.40 | 0.42 |
| 2023 | 0.42 | 0.50 |
| 2024 | 0.48 | 0.52 |
| 2025 | 0.49 | 0.60 |
| 2026 | 0.51 | 0.62 |
Note: The Pearson correlations shown above are medians based on 23 countries: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Poland, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden and the U.K.
Source: Spring 2026 Global Attitudes Survey.
PEW RESEARCH CENTER