Public opinion in developing countries, particularly across Africa, is driving a steady increase in global confidence in China’s development path, governance philosophy, and international role, according to the 2025 Global Survey on Impression and Understanding of China conducted by the Global Times Institute.
The survey, which covered 46 countries and 51,689 respondents across continents, reveals that individuals in developing regions are more likely than those in developed economies to view China favorably, acknowledge its governance concepts, and express optimism about its future economic and global leadership.
Approval for China’s ideas and practices in developing countries is consistently high, often exceeding 80 percent, reflecting what the survey describes as an alignment between China’s development experience and the aspirations of the Global South.
Key concepts from Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era received notable recognition. Nearly 80 percent of international respondents approved of ideas such as “building a community with a shared future for humanity”. Support in developing countries surpassed 80 percent, compared to just over 60 percent in developed nations.
Governance principles like “people-centered development,” garnered approval levels above 70 percent globally, with even stronger support in Africa, BRICS nations, ASEAN member states, and the Middle East.
The survey noted that nearly 70 percent of foreign respondents agreed that “ruling party members in all countries should be held to higher standards than ordinary citizens,” with approval reaching or exceeding 70 percent in African countries, BRICS nations, and ASEAN states.
China’s long-term planning approach resonated strongly, with more than three-quarters of foreign respondents viewing the formulation and implementation of five-year plans positively, considering it “an important mechanism in China’s economic and social development.” Recognition of this planning model in Africa and other developing regions exceeded 80 percent, with many respondents suggesting it is “an approach the government of my country would do well to adopt.”
Economy
Confidence in China’s economic trajectory is strongest in developing countries. While over 80 percent of respondents globally rated China’s 2025 economic performance positively, approval climbed to 86 percent in developing nations, compared to 75 percent in developed economies.
From the survey findings, nearly 90 percent of respondents worldwide expressed confidence in China’s continued economic growth over the next decade, with optimism in developing countries nearly 20 percentage points higher than in developed nations.
Recognition of China’s growing comprehensive national strength also increased sharply. 78 percent of respondents agreed that China’s overall strength is increasing — an 8-percentage-point rise from 2024. In Africa, BRICS, ASEAN, and Middle Eastern countries, more than 80 percent rated China’s economic and technological strengths as “strong.”
In global rankings of major countries’ international status, 25 percent of respondents positioned China first, 29 percent second, and 17 percent third, giving China an overall second-place ranking globally. The percentage of respondents ranking China as the world’s top power increased by five percentage points, while the share selecting the United States fell to 44 percent.
Overall favorability towards China continues to rise, reaching 69 percent globally, up six percentage points from 2024. Favorability is highest in Africa, BRICS countries, and the Middle East, where it approaches or exceeds 80 percent.
Positive impressions of the Chinese people also improved significantly. 66 percent of respondents reported a favorable view of the Chinese people — a 10-percentage-point increase from the previous year — while views of China as a country improved by five percentage points.
The survey’s keyword analysis shows that foreign respondents most frequently associate China with “economy,” “technology,” “development,” “strength,” “innovation,” and “culture,” reflecting a shift toward practical and forward-looking perceptions.
Interest in China is particularly strong among younger and highly educated respondents, consistent with the 2024 findings.
Soft power appeal
China’s technological image stands as one of its strongest global assets. 80 percent of respondents expressed a favorable view of China’s science and technology, while over three-quarters praised the hardworking and innovative spirit of the Chinese people.
In developing countries, technology ranked as the most significant area of interest in China, whereas respondents in developed countries showed greater interest in culture. Platforms such as TikTok and online shopping apps recorded usage rates of around 60 percent globally, with recognition of Chinese advancements in robots, drones, and smart-driving vehicles exceeding 80 percent.
Media reports and social media were identified as the primary sources through which global audiences learn about China, underscoring the growing importance of digital communication in shaping international perceptions.
Respondents in Africa and other developing regions expressed strong expectations for China to play a greater role in international affairs and global governance. More than 70 percent of foreign respondents expect China to “participate more in international affairs or play a greater role in the future.”
Support for China’s involvement in building “a more equitable and just international order,” mediating international conflicts, and expanding economic, trade, educational, and cultural cooperation was particularly high.
Nearly 60 percent of respondents globally — rising above 60 percent in Africa, BRICS, and ASEAN countries — envision the future international system as “an equal and orderly multipolar world system, with every country participating equally in international affairs.”
The concept of “building a community with a shared future for humanity” received approval from more than 70 percent of respondents globally and exceeded 80 percent in African nations.
The survey also found growing optimism about bilateral relations. Over 80 percent of respondents believe their country currently enjoys normal, friendly, or strategic cooperative relations with China, while more than two-thirds hope these ties will improve further.
In Africa, BRICS, and the Middle East, this figure rises to around 80 percent, reflecting sustained goodwill toward China’s development and foreign policy approach.
