Beijing’s Bid to Be the Grown-Up in the Room
As the long-standing alliance between the United States and Europe shows signs of strain in the turbulent Trump era, uncertainty grips the global order. Smaller nations, caught in the confusion, struggle to determine their stance. However, this upheaval in international relations has created an opportunity for one power to adopt a steadier, more authoritative presence on the global stage—China. For China, this is the moment it has long anticipated—a chance to establish itself as the world’s stabilizing force.
As Beijing’s annual Two Sessions unfolds, the country is setting its priorities—strengthening the economy, advancing technology, and managing its prolonged trade dispute with Donald Trump. While the meetings continue, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi addressed the global press on Friday with a clear message: in an increasingly uncertain world, China positions itself as a steady force, ready to uphold global peace.
What Wang Yi Says
At his assertive, “Wolf Warrior”–style press conference, Wang Yi outlined China’s vision for the global order with calculated precision. While he made only a few direct references to the United States, the contrast he drew between Beijing and Washington was unmistakable—casting the U.S. as a destabilizing force and China as the steadfast champion of the developing world.
Wang framed the present moment as one of profound transformation and uncertainty, where stability is increasingly elusive. He stressed that the choices made by the world’s major powers will not only shape the course of history but also determine the future of global governance. Positioning China as a pillar of stability, he asserted that the country’s diplomacy would remain firmly aligned with progress and the “right side of history,” offering a steady hand in a world adrift.
Trump: The Bad Guy
China attributes much of this uncertainty to Washington, as Donald Trump’s return to the White House signals a sharp departure from previous administrations. His “America First” agenda, defined by protectionist policies and the looming threat of tariffs, has raised fears of a broader trade war and potential damage to the rules-based global system.
When asked about Trump’s withdrawal from international organizations and his prioritization of American dominance, Wang Yi warned that an obsession with strength would lead the world back to the law of the jungle. He cautioned that smaller and weaker nations would bear the brunt of such a shift, while international norms and order would suffer a severe blow.
Wang emphasized that major powers must uphold their international obligations and act responsibly, rather than placing self-interest above fundamental principles.
China: The Good Guy
China’s top diplomat vowed that Beijing would stand as a force for global peace and stability, championing fairness and justice on the world stage. He emphasized China’s commitment to upholding true multilateralism, pledging to build consensus for a more balanced and orderly multipolar world. Beijing, he said, would serve as a constructive force for global development, safeguard the multilateral free-trade system, and promote an open, inclusive, and non-discriminatory environment for international cooperation.
Wang underscored China’s belief in lasting friendships built on shared interests, pointing to the Belt and Road Initiative, which he noted has been embraced by over three-quarters of the world’s nations. History, he argued, would prove that true leadership lies in prioritizing the common good and fostering a global community with a shared future.
China’s World Order
We can’t say, based on Wang Yi’s remarks, that China intends to replace the United States outright. But Beijing is certainly making its case: the U.S. is unreliable, a disruptor of the global order, and a habitual rule-breaker. In contrast, China presents itself as the more stable, trustworthy, and mature alternative. The message is clear: Europe and other nations would be better off relying on China to preserve the current world order.
Unlike Washington, Beijing insists that it seeks to uphold international institutions like the United Nations and ensure that all nations, regardless of size, are treated as equal members of the global community. If the U.S. is unwilling or unable to maintain global stability, China is signaling that it stands ready to step in—not as a direct replacement, but as a leader among partners in Europe, Asia, and beyond.
