People around the globe are divided in their opinions of China
Negative views of China predominate in the U.S., Canada and Western Europe. China also receives unfavorable marks from many neighbors in the Asia-Pacific region.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
Negative views of China predominate in the U.S., Canada and Western Europe. China also receives unfavorable marks from many neighbors in the Asia-Pacific region.
President Trump and his policies continue to receive negative reviews from people worldwide, with a lack of confidence in his leadership especially common in Western Europe. While views of the U.S. are positive overall, they vary widely among some of its key allies.
Political divides on both sides of the Atlantic continue to shape attitudes about relations with other nations, perceptions about defense spending and Americans’ and Germans’ views of each other.
A median of 58% of adults across 33 countries have a favorable opinion of the EU, while just 27% hold an unfavorable view.
The U.S. receives more positive marks than China in 21 countries surveyed, while China fares better than the U.S. in seven countries.
More countries still name the U.S. as the foremost economic power than say the same of China. And, even in nations that welcome China’s economic growth, few feel similarly about its growing military might.
People around the world agree that climate change poses a severe risk to their countries, according to a 26-nation survey conducted in spring 2018. Terrorism, specifically from ISIS, and cyberattacks are also seen by many as major security threats.
Views of Mexico are mixed: While 39% say they feel “warmly” toward Mexico, 34% feel “coldly,” and 26% are neutral, according to a new Pew Research Center survey. The public has much warmer feelings toward Canada. Two-thirds (67%) say they feel warmly toward Canada, with 52% giving it a very warm rating (76 or higher on the scale). Just 12% feel coldly toward Canada.
Donald Trump’s international image remains poor, and ratings for the U.S. have declined since his election. Yet most people around the world still want the U.S., not China, as the world’s leading power.
Americans and Germans have vastly different opinions of their relationship, but they tend to agree on issues such as cooperation with other European allies and support for NATO.
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