World Isn't Chinamaxxing: It's America-Avoidant, Poll Shows 2026

The Chinamaxxing trend on social media may seem like a fleeting fad, but new polling from the Pew Research Center reveals a deeper global shift: the world isn't necessarily embracing China—it's becoming increasingly America-avoidant. For the first time, China and its leader Xi Jinping are viewed more favorably than the United States and President Donald Trump in most of the 36 major countries surveyed, including key allies like Canada, Mexico, and Australia.

The Numbers Behind the Shift in Superpower Perceptions

The data tells a stark story. Between 2023 and 2025, the median percentage of people with a favorable view of China rose from 32% to 46% across 20 countries. Meanwhile, the US saw its favorable rating plummet from 58% to 36%—a dramatic 22-point drop. Only in six countries did people rate the US more highly than China. This isn't just about Chinese influence; it's a crisis of American soft power.

Why the World Is Becoming America-Avoidant

Analysts point to a combination of aggressive foreign policy moves and diplomatic blunders. President Trump's demands to take over Greenland, the abduction of Venezuela's leader Nicolás Maduro, and the ongoing illegal war on Iran have all tarnished America's image. Even the World Cup, typically a soft power win, has been overshadowed by exclusionary rhetoric and bullying. In contrast, China has quietly improved its standing in Latin America, Africa, and parts of South and Southeast Asia, where views are significantly more positive than in wealthier European and East Asian countries.

The Role of Social Media and Economic Influence

The Chinamaxxing trend on TikTok and Instagram—where influencers drink hot water and wear slippers—reflects a growing fascination with Chinese culture. But as economic historian Adam Tooze notes, this cultural curiosity is backed by real economic and diplomatic progress. Meanwhile, Trump's recent accusation that China interfered in the 2020 election, despite a lack of evidence, further damages US credibility. In nearly every country surveyed, more people believed the US interfered in other nations' elections than thought China did.

Key Takeaways from the Pew Research Poll

• Global favorability of China has risen 14 points since 2023, while US favorability has dropped 22 points.
• America is now viewed less favorably than China in 30 of 36 major countries surveyed.
• Perceptions of election interference are far worse for the US than for China.
• Latin America, Africa, and parts of Asia show the strongest gains for China's image.
• US foreign policy actions under Trump are driving the decline in soft power.

FAQ

The data suggests a fundamental realignment in global perceptions. While China's rise is real, the more dramatic story is America's fall. As the Trump administration continues to alienate allies and engage in controversial foreign policy, the world is not necessarily Chinamaxxing—it's actively choosing to be America-avoidant. For businesses and policymakers, understanding this shift is crucial for navigating the new geopolitical landscape.