China's Rise to Global Supremacy: Xi Jinping Wields Diplomatic Heft Amid 'Multipolar' Era

Chinese leader Xi Jinping gathered dozens of world leaders, including Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, for an economic summit in Tianjin and a military parade in Beijing, showcasing the country's diplomatic heft and military might. Xi's message, underscored by China's 80th anniversary of Japan's formal surrender at the end of World War II, emphasizes China's "unstoppable" rise as a global superpower and its ambition to reshape the U.S.-led international order. Beijing is capitalizing on uncertainty generated by the Trump administration to pitch itself as the more dependable, capable global superpower. Xi's initiative to create a "more just and equitable global governance system" alternatives to the U.S.-led status quo has resonated with like-minded partners, including Russia, India, and North Korea, who see China as a potential counterbalance to U.S. influence.

Key Takeaways:

• China's military parade demonstrated its advanced weapons systems, including the new Dong Feng-26D intermediate-range ballistic missile, which can target American military bases on Guam.
• Russia and China agreed to build the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline, expected to double Russia's gas sales to China in about five years.
• Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Xi Jinping, marking a significant rapprochement between the two nations after years of strained relations.
• Beijing's "no limits" partnership with Russia has reached a new high, with both countries concluding more than 20 deals covering various sectors.
• The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin saw Xi Jinping announce a major initiative to create a more just and equitable global governance system.
• Relations between India and China have improved, with Mr. Modi stating that peace has returned to the Sino-Indian border.
• Mr. Xi made a fuss about a partnership with China, saying "the West, unfortunately, has self-isolated," given its hostility toward groups like the SCO.

Statistics:

• More than 20 world leaders attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin.
• The new Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline is expected to double Russia's gas sales to China in about five years.
• The Chinese military parade revealed new, advanced weapons systems, including the Dong Feng-26D intermediate-range ballistic missile.
• Relations between India and China have been strained over years by deadly border clashes over territorial disputes.

Sources:

• "Trump administration imposed 50% tariffs on U.S. imports from India" (no specific date given).
• Bloomberg (no specific date given).
• Ann Scott Tyson is a Staff writer, Abstract (no specific date given).
• "Russia-China Friendship Society, a semiofficial group" (no specific date given).
• "Federation Council, Russia's upper house of parliament" (no specific date given).
• "Fred Weir contributed reporting from Moscow" (no specific date given).