China is viewed more favourably than the United States in a majority of countries surveyed for the first time in two decades, according to a new international poll by the Pew Research Centre, highlighting a significant shift in global public opinion as the two powers compete for influence.

The survey, conducted between February and May across 36 countries, found that China received more favourable ratings than the United States in 25 nations.

It marks the first time since Pew began tracking global perceptions that Beijing has outperformed Washington in most of the countries surveyed.

According to the report, China’s improved standing reflects its efforts to expand diplomatic, economic and cultural influence, particularly in Africa and Latin America.

The survey pointed to Beijing’s deepening trade and security partnerships with countries such as Brazil and Peru, as well as its zero-tariff policy for many African nations, as factors contributing to the shift.

However, the report said the change was driven largely by declining perceptions of the United States rather than a dramatic surge in support for China.

Pew attributed the decline in America’s image to policies pursued under President Donald Trump, including sweeping tariffs, cuts to foreign aid and an increasingly confrontational foreign policy.

The United States’ median favourability rating across the surveyed countries fell to 36% from 48% a year earlier, while China’s rating rose to 46% from 38% over the same period.

Countries that continued to view the United States more positively than China were largely traditional US allies or regional rivals of Beijing, including Japan, South Korea and Israel.

In contrast, respondents in Canada and Mexico expressed more favourable views of China than of the United States, despite both countries being among Washington’s closest partners.

The survey also found that respondents in most of the countries had greater confidence in Chinese President Xi Jinping than in President Trump, although confidence in both leaders remained relatively low overall.

Analysts cautioned that the findings may not necessarily indicate a lasting shift in China’s global popularity, but said the results reflect growing international dissatisfaction with US foreign policy.

The survey follows earlier Pew findings showing widespread international disapproval of the Trump administration’s handling of conflicts in Iran and Gaza, which researchers identified as major contributors to the erosion of America’s global image.