Pew Research: Negative Opinions of China Rise Worldwide

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The Facts

  • A new report from Pew Research shows that a median of 67% of adults in 24 countries have an unfavorable view of China, with negative ratings reaching record heights in high-income countries. With the exception of India, middle-income countries only saw modest increases in negative ratings.

  • The survey asked 300K adults in a group of countries that include the US, Mexico, Germany, Australia, Brazil, Israel, Nigeria, Japan, and India, about their views on China's economic, technological, and international influence.


The Spin

Anti-China narrative

The world has grown weary of China's aggressive "wolf warrior" posturing on the world stage, as a majority of adults in important countries turn their backs on China. Their cries of neutrality and benevolence in the face of a supposedly imperial US have fallen on deaf ears as the world wakes up to the reality that China's bellicose moves economically, culturally, and militarily are the greatest threats to world peace. China's actions are isolating the country on the world stage.

Pro-China narrative

It matters little what those in the Old World think of China, as the favorable ratings China receives in the future economic powerhouses of the Global South are truly what matter. Countries like Kenya, Indonesia, and Nigeria benefit greatly from Chinese investment through the Belt and Road Initiative and recognize what China brings to the table. While American saber-rattling stirs up Sinophobia in the West, the rest of the world can clearly see that China can do what the West can't: be a forward-thinking, honest, and reliable world partner.


Metaculus Prediction


Go Deeper


Establishment split

CRITICAL

PRO