Chinese President Xi Jinping is intensifying his push to challenge America’s global leadership and promote his vision for how the world should work. At the recent Belt and Road Forum in Beijing, Xi declared China as the only country capable of navigating the challenges of the 21st century. Beijing believes that now is the time to shift the international system to ensure China’s rise and reject efforts to counter it. China has been promoting its alternative model through policy documents, global initiatives, speeches, and diplomatic meetings in an attempt to win support worldwide. However, concerns have been raised that accepting Beijing’s rules could lead to globally accepted practices of heavy surveillance, censorship, and political repression. The push for China’s vision comes at a time when questions about US global leadership are being raised due to American wars overseas, unstable foreign policies, and deep political polarization. Many countries across the developing world have enhanced their economic ties with China and are calling for a more inclusive international system. It remains to be seen how many countries will welcome China’s worldview. The stakes of the US-China rivalry have been elevated as Xi amplifies his message amid tensions with Washington.
China’s Ambitious Plan to Reshape the World Gains Global Attention
