{
  "id": 239248,
  "title": "Commentary: US has crossed an uncomfortable threshold in global opinion",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/06/commentary-us-has-crossed-an-uncomfortable-threshold-in-global-opinion",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-06T22:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Channel News Asia",
    "slug": "channel-news-asia",
    "url": "https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commentary/us-china-view-positively-pew-survey-asia-6303366"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In a recent Pew Research Center survey, China has emerged as more positively viewed than the United States in many countries around the world. For the first time since 2002, China received a higher favourable opinion from 46% of respondents compared to 36% for the US. Moreover, Chinese President Xi Jinping had a confidence level of 31% among respondents that he \"does the right thing regarding world affairs,\" while just 21% had the same confidence in US President Donald Trump.\n\nThis shift in global perception is particularly notable in Southeast Asia. A 2026 State of Southeast Asia survey by ISEAS Yusof-Ishak Institute found that a majority of respondents (52%) would prefer aligning with China over the US if forced to choose between the two strategic rivals. Kevin Chen, from the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies, suggests that this reversal is harder to reverse than Washington might think. Factors such as China's successful soft power promotion and recent technological breakthroughs have contributed to the decline in the US's global standing.\n\nWhile some argue that US partners in Asia continue to engage Washington pragmatically out of necessity, others caution that this engagement is largely hedged, as countries seek alternative partners and cooperation models. The decline in American favourability is not easily reversed due to the lasting impact of Trump's policies, weakened soft power tools, and lower international student enrolment.\n\nHowever, China's rising influence cannot be overlooked. China has achieved multiple technological breakthroughs and is attracting talented individuals returning home. The US administration will face significant challenges if it seeks to regain its former global appeal, as it must address the fallout from its policies and invest in reforms within its own government structure.",
  "summary": "China is now viewed more positively than the US in many countries. Reversing this will be harder than Washington thinks, says Kevin Chen from the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}