US and Chinese Leaders' White House Summit and the Global Order
As Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump meet at the White House, China is building a new international order through alternative trade networks and technology investments.
Chinese President Xi Jinping is visiting the White House to meet with US President Donald Trump during a period dominated by a fragmented and multipolar global structure.
White House Summit and the New Global Order
On Thursday, Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with US President Donald Trump at the White House. America and China are meeting in a world very different from when Xi visited the White House in 2015 to meet with Barack Obama.
While the question of who shapes the international order comes to the forefront in the two leaders' meeting, the US maintains its position as the most powerful country, while China stands out as one of the architects of this order.
China's Alternative Sphere of Influence and Strategy
The Beijing administration offers infrastructure to countries around the world by creating institutions, proposing diplomatic initiatives, and establishing technological standards. China builds trade networks instead of military alliances while offering developing countries alternative paths to prosperity.
Rather than establishing a direct military hegemony, China aims to influence the rules of the international system and have greater sway over ideas.
Washington's Role and Global Leadership
The Washington administration appears less willing to bear the burden of traditional global leadership due to domestic political divisions and erratic foreign policy approaches.
However, the United States remains deeply rooted in and sustains the institutions and alliances that support its dominance.