By He Yin, People’s Daily
A recent global attitudes survey conducted by the Pew Research Center has drawn widespread international attention.
Covering 42,000 respondents across 36 countries and regions, the survey found that people in 27 countries and regions hold more favorable views of China than of the United States. Particularly notable are improving perceptions of China in Western countries such as Spain, Italy and Canada.
It marks the first time since the center began tracking global views of China and the United States in 2002 that China has received higher favorability ratings than the United States in more than 70 percent of the surveyed countries and regions.
Behind these figures lies a broader trend: a growing global interest in “looking eastward.” Many international media outlets have noted that this shift should come as no surprise. Favorable public opinion does not emerge overnight. Rather, it reflects the international recognition that China has earned through years of concrete actions.
China’s development remains its most compelling argument. In 2025, the country’s GDP surpassed 140 trillion yuan ($20.68 trillion) for the first time. In the first half of 2026, the development trend continued to be characterized by stability, resilience, innovation, and quality, with high-quality development gaining further momentum.
An increasing number of countries recognize that China is pursuing a path of modernization that balances efficiency with fairness, and development with shared prosperity. This offers a new reference point for countries exploring their own modernization pathways.
From advancing open, inclusive innovation in artificial intelligence and electric vehicles, to pursuing forward-looking initiatives in green energy and the digital economy, the practice of Chinese modernization is steadily improving people’s well-being, while offering valuable governance insights for global development.
Today, more overseas scholars are actively studying China’s Five-Year Plans and seeking to better understand its governance approach. “Understanding China” is increasingly becoming an essential part of global development discussion.
China’s commitment to openness serves as a bridge connecting the country with the rest of the world. The country has consistently pursued cooperation through openness and sought mutual benefit through collaboration, sending a clear message of inclusiveness. This stands in sharp contrast to the fences and barriers, decoupling and supply-chain disruptions pursued by some countries.
As the first major economy to provide unilateral, full-coverage zero-tariff treatment to all African countries with diplomatic ties, and to all least developed countries with diplomatic relations, China has genuinely opened its market to developing countries.
Its 240-hour visa-free transit policy, applicable to travelers from 55 countries, has greatly facilitated foreign travel to China. Impromptu trips to China have become common, and the platform has fueled the spontaneous spread of Chinese tourism and cultural content on overseas social media.
The number of China-Europe freight train trips increased 10.8-fold over the past decade. This year alone, the service has made over 10,000 trips, setting another record for the same period.
By promoting exchanges and sharing development opportunities, China continues to demonstrate its commitment to advancing common development through practical actions.
China’s policy consistency has also become one of its greatest assets in earning international trust. At a time when unilateralism is on the rise, geopolitical conflicts are intensifying, and the global economic recovery remains fragile, uncertainty has become a defining feature of the international landscape.
In addressing regional conflicts, China remains committed to promoting peace and dialogue. It refuses to fuel strife or provide support that prolongs combat, and consistently stands on the side of peace. In international cooperation, China continues to keep its doors open rather than building barriers or pursuing decoupling, while steadfastly adhering to the principle of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation.
By honoring its commitments and following through on its words with concrete actions, China has demonstrated the conduct expected of a major country. Increasingly, people around the world believe that engaging with China offers predictability and long-term certainty, without concerns over abrupt policy reversals.
The survey also found that respondents rarely viewed China as a country that interferes in the internal affairs of others. This hard-earned trust reflects the international community’s strong desire for sincere and reliable partners.
This global expression of trust carries profound significance not in terms of which country scores higher or lower, but in what it reveals about the shared aspiration across the world for peaceful development and win-win cooperation.
Remaining steadfast amid global uncertainty and working with all countries to move forward together, China will continue to contribute certainty and positive energy to a changing world. This has long been China’s unwavering commitment and is an integral part of building a community with a shared future for humanity.
