A global polling firm, Pew Research Center, conducted a survey of 32,000 citizens across 25 countries, including the U.S. The results showed that 15 countries identified the U.S. as their top ally, while only four named China.
However, six countries considered the U.S. their biggest threat, compared to just three for China. This indicates that while many nations view the U.S. as an ally, a significant number also perceive it as a threat.
Pew Research Center released these findings on Tuesday.
The organization surveyed from January 8 to April 26, polling 32,000 people across 25 countries, including the U.S.
Respondents were not provided with a list of countries to choose from. Instead, they were asked to name their top ally and greatest threat.
Mexico, Canada, Indonesia, South Africa, Brazil, and Argentina were among the six countries that identified the U.S. as their biggest threat.
In contrast, only three countries—the U.S., Australia, and Japan—recognized China as the greatest threat.
Pew Research Center attributed these results to the negative image of the U.S. that emerged during President Donald Trump’s administration, which prioritized American interests.
Since taking office, Trump has raised tariffs on traditional U.S. allies, such as South Korea and Japan, reduced investments in soft power, and failed to guarantee security for North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member states.
Notably, the Pew Research Center pointed out that Trump’s comments about incorporating Canada as the 51st state and annexing Greenland significantly intensified anti-American sentiment abroad.