Democratic lawmakers have warned that President Donald Trump’s foreign policy is eroding US influence and allowing China to gain ground on the global stage. A new Senate report highlights declining trust in Washington and rising confidence in Beijing as key allies seek closer ties with China amid growing uncertainty over US leadership.

A report from Democrats on the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee claims Trump’s “transactional” approach to foreign policy and retreat from international commitments has undermined America’s ability to compete with China. The document criticizes cuts to the State Department and agencies like USAID and Voice of America, citing these as factors that have weakened US soft power.

Senator Jeanne Shaheen said Trump’s approach is leaving space for China to reshape the global order: “While President Trump retreats from every corner of the world — attacking allies, slashing America’s diplomatic tools and embracing adversaries — China is building influence, expanding relationships and reshaping the global order to its advantage.”

The report singles out Trump’s withdrawal from global institutions, such as the World Health Organization and the Paris Climate Agreement, and his tariff wars as having pushed even close US allies toward China.

Allies Turn to China Amid US Uncertainty

According to Pew Research Center data cited in the report, global sentiment towards the US has worsened since Trump’s return to office. In 10 high-income countries, favorability toward the US has dropped from 51% in 2024 to 35% in 2025, while China’s favorability has risen from 23% to 32%. Confidence in Trump has plummeted among these allies, from 53% in 2024 to just 22%.

Key allies like South Korea, Japan, and Australia have seen sharp drops in approval for the US, while leaders from Australia, India, Singapore, New Zealand, Spain, and Brazil have visited China to stabilize ties. Analysts say these moves reflect a desire to hedge against US unpredictability by strengthening relations with Beijing.

China’s Rising Appeal as a Stable Partner

Analysts quoted in the report suggest China’s consistent engagement and financial commitments are making it an increasingly attractive partner for countries navigating uncertainty in US policy. Ian Chong of the National University of Singapore said some regional actors now view cooperation with China as “an attractive alternative,” while others feel compelled to engage with both powers despite reservations.

William Yang of the Crisis Group think tank said China is benefiting from perceptions of reliability, noting that high-level exchanges are increasing even among US allies in the Indo-Pacific.