September 12, 2025 — The Asia Society Policy Institute’s Center for China Analysis has released a new report titled “Not So Neatly Divided: Global Public Opinion on China”, authored by Foreign Policy and National Security Fellow Andrew Chubb.
The study draws on the Center’s Global Public Opinion on China database, which compiles survey results from 159 countries. Findings reveal that China’s international favorability has declined in recent years, with negative sentiment growing faster than positive perceptions.
Chubb notes that since the late 2000s, China has invested heavily in global outreach—spending billions on media, advertising, lobbying, and diplomacy to improve its image. Despite these efforts, results have been mixed. Instead of losing allies, China struggles to win over neutral or undecided audiences.
Key takeaways from the report include:
- India’s largely negative outlook offsets strong support for China in over 50 African nations.
- Europe has emerged as the largest hub of unfavorable opinion, complicating Beijing’s efforts to strengthen economic ties amid U.S. tariff and technology restrictions.
- Policymakers worldwide are increasingly influenced by public perceptions of China, shaping decisions on trade, security, and diplomacy.
Chubb emphasizes that global leaders now face “unprecedented scrutiny” from both societies and corporate stakeholders, making public opinion a critical factor in international policymaking.
Alongside the report, the Asia Society Policy Institute announced upcoming events, including a September 16th panel on the Quad’s regional role and a September 24th conversation with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Dr. Muhammad Yunus.
