China Surpasses U.S. As Top Economic Power

According to a report released today (Wednesday 6/13/12) China is now the world's dominant economic power.

Solid majorities in countries including  Britain, France, Germany and Spain say China—not the United States—is the globe's most robust economy.

According to a Pew Research Study perceptions of China’s economic power continue to grow.

This is especially true in Europe, but the belief that China is the world’s top economy has become more common in the last year in other parts of the world as well, including Brazil, Japan, Turkey and Lebanon.

Views about the economic balance of power have shifted dramatically over time among the 14 countries surveyed each year from 2008 to 2012. In 2008, before the onset of the global financial crisis, a median of 45% named the U.S. as the world’s leading economic power, while just 22% said China. Today, only 36% say the U.S., while 42% believe China is in the top position.