A recent survey conducted by American decision intelligence firm Morning Consult, covering 41 countries, indicates that China’s global net favorability stood at +8.8, while the US rating hit -1.5 as of late May. Scholars view this upward trend as a reflection of China’s constructive engagement with the international community and its commitment to mutual benefit.

Steady growth lays material foundation

China’s steady economic growth and its substantial contributions to the global economy form the material bedrock of its rising favorability. “As the world’s second-largest economy, China has maintained medium-to-high growth rates over the long term, contributing more than 30% to global growth, which continues to strengthen the international community’s recognition of China’s economic stability,” asserted Li Xiaoping, director of the Scientific Research Department at Zhongnan University of Economics and Law.

Li noted that China’s economic resilience is evident not only in macroeconomic indicators but also in its pivotal role as a global manufacturing hub. Through measures such as expanding imports and hosting the China International Import Expo, China has opened broad market opportunities to foreign enterprises and become a key driver of global demand.

According to Wu Yin, a professor from the School of Economics at Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, China’s rising global favorability is rooted in its practical efforts across trade, technology, markets, and investment. In trade, China promotes strategic reciprocity and has adopted unilateral visa-free policies that reflect the openness and confidence of a major country. On the technology front, leveraging its comprehensive industrial chain edge, China prioritizes mutual benefit and open sharing in exchanges with multiple nations. Moreover, economic expansion and its super-large-scale market present significant opportunities for global partners. In terms of investment, China’s financing for partner countries of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is provided without political conditions, helping to spur local development.

Growing global influence as key factor

China’s increasingly prominent role and growing influence in international affairs have also been key drivers of its improved global image. “China’s role has grown significantly, whether within multilateral or bilateral frameworks,” remarked Zhu Yongbiao, dean of the School of Politics and International Relations at Lanzhou University. China’s consistent adherence to justice on international conflicts has earned widespread international respect. Through the BRI, it has provided global public goods and contributed meaningfully to infrastructure development across the Global South. In its foreign cooperation, China steadfastly upholds fundamental principles such as mutual respect, non-interference in internal affairs, win-win cooperation, and opposition to bullying—principles it rigorously implements in practice.

The China-proposed Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative have garnered broad international support, offering Chinese solutions to global challenges in development, security, and other fields. “China’s proactive, initiative-driven participation in global governance reflects its strategic endurance and institutional confidence in upholding multilateralism, advancing sustainable development, and fostering regional cooperation,” said Li Huajun, deputy dean of the Journalism and Information Communication School at Huazhong University of Science and Technology. By emphasizing “extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits,” China delivers tangible assistance and direct economic gains while building cooperative and mutually reinforcing community mechanisms. This approach aligns more closely with the international community’s expectations of a responsible major country committed to global stability.

Culture lends intellectual backing

From the global success of the games Genshin Impact and Black Myth: Wukong to the overseas popularity of Nezha’s mythological tale and the worldwide craze over trendy Chinese toys like Labubu, and from the influx of “TikTok refugees” into RedNote to foreign influencers like “IShowSpeed” streaming from China and the viral trend of “China Travel” on overseas social media, Chinese culture is lending robust intellectual support for enhancing China’s global favorability. Li Huajun noted that through the dissemination of its fine traditional culture, China has showcased an inclusive worldview while advocating for diverse international relations and governance philosophies—boosting its global appeal by fostering widespread cultural resonance and emotional connection.

“China’s increasing global favorability results from the deep synergy between the modern reinterpretation of its cultural essence and the strong support of its industrial capabilities,” said Gu Jiang, director of the Yangtze River Delta Cultural Industry Research Institute at Nanjing University (NJU). By consistently producing high-quality cultural products with global competitiveness—featuring world-class audiovisual effects and user experiences that meet mainstream market expectations—China has strengthened the appeal, credibility, and global reach of its cultural output.

Firsthand witnesses to China’s multidimensional appeal

The rise in China’s global favorability is evident both in overseas perceptions and the personal experiences of those who have lived in the country. As more international students come to China, many are witnessing its rapid development and social transformation firsthand. Wakeel Hussain, a Pakistani Ph.D. candidate from the School of Geophysics and Geomatics at China University of Geosciences, has been deeply impressed by China’s achievements in infrastructure construction and technological advancement. He told CSST that from high-speed rail to modern urban development and smart city initiatives, China has demonstrated remarkable efficiency in executing large-scale projects, while emerging as a global leader in 5G, artificial intelligence, and e-commerce.

Bankuwiha Etienne, a Burundian Ph.D. student at NJU’s School of Foreign Studies, has developed into a productive young Sinologist through his academic journey in China. He authored the first scholarly work in Burundi focused on Chinese studies and now serves as president of the Burundi Chinese Translators Association and deputy secretary-general of the China–Burundi Friendship Association. His affection for China has also led to his appointment as Qingdao’s overseas communication ambassador and as an international cultural tourism promoter for Jiaojiang District in Taizhou, Zhejiang Province. Reflecting on the reasons for China’s rising international favorability, Etienne emphasized the country’s consistently open and constructive engagement with the rest of the world.