On August 3, 2026, Hong Kong media outlet Hong Kong 01 reported that as favorability toward the U.S. declines in countries around the world, leading to a reversal where it falls below China, the U.S. is seeking to address the issue by attributing the cause not to 'its own diplomatic failures' but to 'China's propaganda work.'

The article cited the results of a survey released by the U.S. research institution Pew Research Center in July, stating that in 25 of 36 comparable countries and regions, favorability toward China surpassed that of the U.S. It reported that the U.S. only led China in 6 countries, and even in neighboring countries like Canada and Mexico, there was a stronger tendency to support China over the U.S.

Furthermore, regarding this situation, Sarah Rogers, who was appointed by President Trump as the head of the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), appealed at a Senate hearing on July 30th that China invests approximately 40 billion U.S. dollars (approximately 6 trillion yen) annually in propaganda activities, and that the U.S. also needs to strengthen its 'propaganda war' by utilizing short videos and overseas social media to regain the support that has shifted to China.

The article pointed out that the true cause of the decline in U.S. favorability is not a lack of propaganda but the policies themselves. It analyzed that the misuse of market logic, which believes national image can be manipulated by advertising, pressure on allies based on 'America First,' and a self-righteous attitude of breaking existing international rules, are themselves undermining the U.S.'s soft power.

It also pointed out that while China provides 'tangible benefits' to developing countries through infrastructure development, loans, and trade, the U.S. merely warns of the threat from China and has not presented effective alternatives. The article argued that such specific diplomatic 'inaction' is widening the gap in evaluation with China.

The article concluded that the essence of the question in the international community has shifted from 'Can China be trusted?' to 'Can the U.S. be relied upon?', and that it is meaningless to merely prepare the 'packaging' of propaganda without improving the 'content' of foreign policy. (Edited and Translated by Kawajiri)