Global Views on China’s Economic Influence Across 35 Countries

China’s global economic influence draws mixed views depending on the country’s economic status, a survey of 35 nations reveals.

In wealthier countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia, most people hold negative opinions of China. About 70 percent of respondents across 18 countries in this group view China unfavorably, according to a Pew Research Center poll released this week.

Conversely, in middle-income countries like Thailand, Kenya, and Bangladesh, opinions are more positive. A median of 56 percent across 17 countries in this category reported favorable views of China.

Opinions vary widely among individual countries surveyed. Sweden had the lowest approval rating of China at 11 percent, followed closely by Japan (12 percent), Australia (14 percent), and the US (16 percent). Thailand topped the list with the most positive views at 80 percent, followed by Nigeria (75 percent), Kenya (73 percent), Tunisia (68 percent), and Singapore (67 percent).

The survey also found differing perceptions of China’s economic impact. In high-income countries, 57 percent generally view China’s economic influence negatively, while in middle-income countries, 47 percent see it positively.

In the US, 76 percent have negative views of China’s economic influence, followed by Germany (69 percent), France (68 percent), and Canada (68 percent). Conversely, Singapore and Malaysia view China’s economic impact most positively, with 67 percent of respondents in both countries expressing favorable views.

The Pew survey attributes these opinions in part to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, a massive investment effort exceeding $3 trillion in other countries over the past decade.

Views of Chinese President Xi Jinping are predominantly negative, with a median of 24 percent expressing confidence in his leadership and 62 percent reporting little to no confidence. Japan, Australia, and Sweden have the most unfavorable views of Xi Jinping, while Singapore and Thailand view him most favorably.

Regarding the influence of Chinese companies, nine middle-income countries generally hold positive views. A median of 72 percent agree that Chinese companies benefit their economies, with Thailand, Kenya, and Bangladesh showing the most positive responses.

In the Asia Pacific region, concerns about China’s territorial disputes are high. The Philippines, South Korea, Japan, Australia, and India expressed the greatest concerns, particularly regarding disputes in the South China Sea and the East China Sea.