[Vox pop] Views of China and President Xi Jinping may be turning more positive

From viral trends like “a very Chinese time of my life”, to travel hype around Chongqing’s cyber city aesthetic, to global attention on DJI drones and BYD cars, and even political headlines around the rivalry between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump, China is showing up everywhere in today’s global conversations. With this visibility comes a gradual shift in how it is perceived.

Street interviews reveal that for many, impressions of China have shifted in a more positive direction. Observers highlight China’s strategic focus on domestic economic development over foreign military conflict, alongside rapid technological advancements that have garnered global recognition. For others, firsthand accounts from peers travelling to China, business engagements, employment with Chinese-owned firms, or simply media coverage have reshaped their understanding of the country’s economic and technological trajectory. Even so, human rights and cross-strait relations remain key areas of concern for a few interviewees.

This shift is particularly evident in attitudes towards “made in China” products. While lower-cost goods are still sometimes associated with inconsistent quality, many acknowledged significant improvements. Most notably, China is seen as moving beyond volume-driven manufacturing towards high-tech production, with some now placing its capabilities on par with, or ahead of, other leading economies, such as the US. This marks a significant shift from earlier associations with low-cost, lower-quality goods.

Positive views of President Xi Jinping and the Chinese government appear to be rising too. A few interviewees associate the administration with dictatorship, centralisation of power, and human rights issues. Others, however, view President Xi favourably as a leader who has successfully driven domestic development, elevated China’s global status and extended its international influence. Despite these differing viewpoints, there is unanimous consensus on the sheer scale of China’s global footprint — spanning geopolitics, international trade, consumer technology and cultural exports.

Taken together, the interviews suggest a gradual shift towards more positive perceptions of China, driven in part by increased exposure and the country’s expanding global presence. Survey data reflects a similar trend. At the same time, recent surveys by the Pew Research Center indicate a gradual rise in favourable views of China, while another survey by the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute reveals that regional opinion makers now narrowly favour closer strategic alignment with Beijing over Washington.

This video was filmed by Gui Lian En, Lianhe Zaobao video team.

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