New World Order: China Claims Global Leadership as US Allies Drift Away

Beijing: Amid growing global unrest caused by US President Donald Trump’s unilateral policies, China is positioning itself as a credible alternative leader on the world stage. Trump’s imposition of tariffs, aggressive posturing against sovereign nations, and intimidation of allies have unsettled the international order, prompting countries worldwide to reconsider their alliances.

Trump’s recent threats over Greenland and his confrontational approach toward even long-standing US allies have created a vacuum that China is eager to fill. Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, speaking at the annual Alpine Summit, emphasized that Beijing “continues to work toward a shared future for humanity, firmly supporting multilateralism and free trade.” He highlighted China’s commitment to consensus, unity, and cooperation over conflict, positioning the country as a rational and dependable global partner amid the turbulence caused by the Trump administration.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has long critiqued the current world order, which he perceives as dominated by the United States and its allies, and is actively promoting China’s vision as an alternative, despite ongoing regional border disputes and accusations of assertiveness. Experts suggest that China does not need major actions to strengthen its influence; the US’s missteps are creating opportunities on their own.

The growing proximity of US allies to China underscores this shift. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, during a recent visit to Beijing, openly questioned the “rules-based international order” dominated by the United States, while signaling a new era of strategic cooperation between Canada and China. Similarly, Britain and France have shown increased engagement with Beijing. The UK recently approved the construction of a large Chinese “mega” embassy near London’s financial district, further reflecting Europe’s recalibration amid US unpredictability.

As Washington’s credibility declines, China is steadily emerging as a global alternative, leveraging cooperation, stability, and a commitment to multilateralism to expand its influence.