China's Ambition to Remake the Global Order

President Xi Jinping's recent international security summit and lavish military parade showcased China's growing power and ambition to remake the global order. Speaking from the Gate of Heavenly Peace, Xi declared China's rejuvenation "unstoppable" and warned humanity of a critical choice between "peace or war." The Chinese leader was flanked by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, while US President Donald Trump was reduced to posting congratulatory messages from the social media sidelines. Xi's global governance initiative, founded on principles including "sovereign equality," "international rule of law," and "multilateralism," aims to safeguard the fruits of the Second World War victory and deliver benefits to humanity through reform of the global governance system. However, while his vision may resonate with nations appalled by Trump's policies, its appeal is illusory. China's support of a more "multi-polar" international order means allowing strong nations to carve out spheres of influence, potentially leading to a world similar to the one envisioned by Trump.

Key Takeaways:

• China's President Xi Jinping has become increasingly assertive in promoting his country's interests on the global stage, using events like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting and the commemoration of the 1945 defeat of Japan to showcase China's growing power.
• Xi's "global governance initiative" aims to reform the global governance system, founded on principles including "sovereign equality," "international rule of law," and "multilateralism," but its appeal is illusory due to China's lack of commitment to democratic values.
• China is willing to interfere in other countries' affairs when it feels its interests are threatened, and maintains high walls around its strategic sectors, undermining its espousal of free trade.
• Xi's support of a more "multi-polar" international order means allowing strong nations to carve out spheres of influence, potentially leading to a world similar to the one envisioned by Trump.
• The collapse of American international leadership under Trump may yet be reversed, and other nations and blocs, particularly the EU, should prepare to play a greater role in international affairs to prevent the emergence of a new world order designed by Xi Jinping.

Statistics:

• China's military parade featured cutting-edge military kit, including hypersonic missiles and shipborne laser weapons.
• Over 20 national leaders from across Asia and other regions attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting in Tianjin, China.
• China's military might may not be as powerful as yesterday's parade suggested due to lack of battle experience and a purge of senior officers.
• The number of national leaders flanking Xi during the parade included Vladimir Putin (Russia) and Kim Jong Un (North Korea).
• The collapse of American international leadership under Trump has begun, but may yet be reversed.

Sources:

• [Source: Bloomberg]
• [Source: The Guardian]
• [Source: CNN]
• [Source: The New York Times]
• [Source: BBC News]