China has topped a new international favorability ranking in Africa, beating the United States and several Western countries in a shift that reflects changing global sentiments.
A recent survey conducted by Morning Consult across 41 nations showed that, for the first time, China now enjoys a higher net favorability score than the US, a milestone in global perception tracking.
This growing admiration is not accidental. It comes on the back of decades of deliberate diplomacy, infrastructure investments, and soft power development.
China’s appeal in Africa has been especially strong, with visible contributions in energy, transportation, and industrial development. From hydropower stations that bring electricity to homes, to the construction of modern roads and railways, the impact is not just on paper, it is seen and felt in daily life.
Beijing’s approach to partnerships has also struck a chord. Instead of offering help tied to political demands, China presents itself as a willing collaborator, supporting countries’ development goals on their own terms. This stylee of engagement, based on mutual benefit and respect, continues to earn goodwill across the continent.
Beyond infrastructure, China’s influence has expanded into culture and technology. Its entertainment, fashion, and apps have reached global audiences, while its tech sector has produced innovations in artificial intelligence and green energy that other nations are beginning to rely on.
These contributions help China build a reputation not just as a manufacturing hub, but as a forward-looking innovator.
Diplomatically, China has played key roles in global peace and environmental talks, while leading coalitions like BRICS and pushing for cooperation through platforms like the Belt and Road Initiative. These moves reinforce its image as a major power focused on inclusion, stability, and shared growth.
Surveys suggest that people increasingly see China as a trustworthy nation that acts consistently and contributes meaningfully to the global community.
Its rise in favorability also reflects frustration with Western policies that are often perceived as self-interested or inconsistent.
