China is now viewed as the most influential global power in Africa, surpassing the U.S., according to a new Gallup survey.
Respondents were asked about the U.S., China, Russia, and Germany. The U.S. was the only country whose image didn't improve across Africa in 2023, the survey noted.
The survey results show median approval ratings of Washington slipped from 59% in 2022 to 56% in 2023.
Meanwhile, China’s approval in the region rose six percentage points, from 52% in 2022 to 58% in 2023, two points ahead of the U.S.
Germany also improved its leadership image — going from 51% to 54%. Russia’s leadership was the least popular with a rating of 42%.
"The U.S. has had an advantage over China’s leadership across the continent in most years since 2007, although there was essential ratings parity between 2016 and 2019," Gallup said in its report.
"But in 2023, China nudged ahead by two points over the U.S."
Washington and Beijing’s rivalry on Africa, Gallup noted, is "centered on many geopolitical issues, including a race to secure access to precious minerals and disputes over debt relief."
The survey analyzed trends in approval ratings of the leadership of the four nations in over 130 countries. The margin of error ranges from 1.2-5.6 percentage points.
Jeffrey Rodack ✉
Jeffrey Rodack, who has nearly a half century in news as a senior editor and city editor for national and local publications, has covered politics for Newsmax for nearly seven years.
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