Social media, cultural links boost China's image

International role

More than just recognizing China's development achievements, an increasing number of people believe that China can play a positive and constructive role in international affairs.

A survey conducted across 29 countries, released in April by Ipsos, revealed that China is now perceived as a more positive influence than the US, a first in the 10 years Ipsos has tracked this data.

On average, 49 percent of respondents across the 29 countries believed China will have a positive effect on world affairs, a 10-point increase from six months prior.

Plevnik highlighted China's commitment to multilateralism and shared development as key factors. "Chinese foreign policy is progressive and inclusive, which is the very opposite to great power politics," she said. "China has been fighting a big battle for a multilateral and multipolar world order.

"China's global initiatives represent a major pivot point in global affairs because they are featuring shared development, fostering peace, and strengthening multilateralism," she added.

"That's why the global community perceives China as a power that fights for the global good. China respects the United Nations and wants the world's problems to be solved in the UN. This policy also means large material costs for China."

Mehmood Ul Hassan Khan, president of the Center for Knowledge and Public Policy in Lahore, Pakistan, said that China "has been an icon of global shared prosperity, community development and trans-regional connectivity through the Belt and Road Initiative."

This initiative has positioned China as a key driver of global connectivity, as noted in the Global Power Index 2025 report. The BRI has bolstered China's economic strength and reinforced China's image as a collaborative partner in international development, said the report.

Khan further elaborated on China's growing global influence, pointing out the increasing recognition of its constructive neutrality in world conflicts and its commitment to peaceful conflict resolution through dialogue.

"The worldwide acceptability of the Global Development, Security and Civilization Initiatives China proposed has immensely increased China's role, stature, participation and contribution in the world."

"China's role and perception will further increase because of its proactive role in multilateral organizations like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) and global public affairs, including poverty eradication and green transformation in the world," he concluded.

Wang Huanran and Yang Junyi contributed to this story.

yangran1@chinadaily.com.cn