A recent Pew survey reveals a shift in American public perception regarding international leadership, as confidence in President Donald Trump's China policy declined while President Xi Jinping's standing reached a multi-year high among people in the US.
A majority of Americans continue to express more confidence in Trump than in the Chinese leader, but the gap between the two has narrowed significantly in the backdrop of global instability.
The survey indicates that 39% of Americans expressed confidence in Trump to make 'good decisions' regarding US policy toward China, a steady decline from 45% in August 2025 and 48% a year before that.
At the same time, confidence in President Xi Jinping to 'do the right thing regarding world affairs' has risen to 17%, a significant increase from the 8% confidence level recorded in 2023.
The survey also found that 27% of Americans hold a positive opinion of China, an increase from 21% last year and nearly double the 14% recorded in 2023.
However, the increase in China's favourability is largely driven by the US Opposition Democratic Party and leaning independents.
The survey indicates that a majority of Americans, at 60%, now see China as a 'competitor' rather than either a partner or just an enemy.
