Global Balance of Power

We examine how the U.S. and China stack up to one another on more than 10 measures of international public opinion, spanning from confidence in their leaders to views of their universities and technological achievements.

Across 12 countries, a median of 40% of adults say they have no confidence in Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to do the right thing regarding world affairs, while a median of 37% say they have at least some confidence. About eight-in-ten Indians (79%) have a favorable view of Modi, including a 55% majority with a very favorable view.

A median of 76% of adults in the 24 countries surveyed say China does not take into account the interests of other countries in its foreign policy. Majorities in most countries also say China does not contribute to global peace and stability.

Overwhelmingly, people believe the U.S. interferes in the affairs of other countries (82%), but most also believe the U.S. contributes to peace and stability around the world (61%). U.S. President Joe Biden receives mostly positive reviews from publics around the world with 54% expressing confidence in Biden, while 39% say they lack confidence in him.

Most Americans see little ability for the U.S. and China to cooperate on climate change policy or combating the spread of infectious disease. A majority of Americans continue to view the China-Russia partnership as a very serious problem for the U.S.

Focus groups with young adults in France, Germany and the United Kingdom revealed that these young people see the U.S. as the “world’s policeman” with a self-interested history of interventionism, while China is labeled the “world’s factory,” respected for its economic dominance but criticized for its expansionism and human rights violations.

Only three-in-ten Americans say it is a very serious problem for the United States if Xi Jinping assumes a third term as China’s leader.

Large majorities in most of the 19 countries surveyed have negative views of China, but relatively few say bilateral relations are bad.

Nearly half of Americans (47%) say that the United States’ influence in the world has been getting weaker in recent years.

Many U.S. adults describe cyberattacks from other countries (71%) and the spread of misinformation online (70%) as major threats to the U.S.