Social media, cultural links boost China's image

From the whimsical Labubu plush toys captivating collectors worldwide to viral travel vlogs showcasing China's landscapes, and the burgeoning popularity of RedNote bridging cultural divides, China's cultural exports are increasingly capturing global attention.

These seemingly disparate phenomena share a common thread: they offer authentic glimpses into Chinese life, fostering understanding and contributing to a measurable shift in global perceptions of China.

The latest Democracy Perception Index 2025, conducted by Nira Data, reflects this change. Of 96 countries, 76 nations — a remarkable 79 percent — have a more favorable view of China. By comparison, only 20 countries have a more favorable view of the United States. This trend is echoed across multiple surveys, with polling companies like Ipsos and Morning Consult reporting similar upward trends, painting a picture of a nation whose image is rising further in the eyes of the world.

Data from Morning Consult, a US business intelligence agency, shows that a majority of countries have improved their view of China since January 2025. By the end of May, China had an 8.8 net favorability rating, a dramatic turnaround from its negative rating last year.

A recent Pew Research Center study, covering roughly two dozen nations and released on July 15, also found that China's image is improving in many countries. Furthermore, in half of the surveyed nations, more people now consider China the world's leading economic power compared with the US.