Taipei, Taiwan – China’s economic influence is felt globally, with perceptions varying based on each country's economic development, as revealed by a survey of 35 nations.

High-income countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia generally hold negative views of China, with around 70% of respondents across 18 countries expressing unfavorable opinions, according to recent polling by the Pew Research Center.

Conversely, middle-income countries like Thailand, Kenya, and Bangladesh tend to view China positively, with a median of 56% of respondents across 17 countries reporting favorable opinions.

Opinions within the surveyed countries varied significantly, with Sweden having the lowest approval rating at 11%, followed by Japan (12%), Australia (14%), and the US (16%).

Thailand leads with 80% of positive views, followed by Nigeria (75%), Kenya (73%), Tunisia (68%), and Singapore (67%).

Regarding perceptions of China's economic influence, about 57% of people in high-income countries view it negatively, compared to 47% in middle-income countries holding positive views.

Notably, the US, Germany, France, and Canada display predominantly negative views towards China's economic influence, with varying levels of negativity across Europe, Japan, South Korea, and India.

On the other hand, Singapore and Malaysia show the most positive perceptions of China's economic impact, followed by Nigeria and Thailand.

Pew attributes these views partly to China's extensive Belt and Road Initiative, which has invested over $3 trillion in other countries over the past decade.

Confidence in Chinese President Xi Jinping is generally low, with only 24% expressing confidence and 62% having little to no confidence. Japan, Australia, and Sweden hold the most negative views.

Conversely, Singapore and Thailand hold the most favorable opinions of Xi, with Malaysia and Bangladesh also expressing confidence in the Chinese leader.

Nine middle-income countries have positive views regarding the effect of Chinese companies on their economies, with high percentages agreeing that Chinese companies benefit their economy.

Within the Asia Pacific region, there is widespread concern about China's territorial disputes, particularly evident in countries like the Philippines, South Korea, Japan, Australia, and India.