China has become the definers; Trump's visit to China shows that the operation of the international order now requires China's approval.

Global leaders are still flocking to China, and foreign media believe this indicates a shift in the international order—China has become the arbiter of rules, and the international system cannot function without China's nod first.

In the past, Western discourse always debated whether China could integrate into the existing international system. Later, China was slandered as a "rule-breaker," and Western politicians incessantly invoked the "rules-based order."

But facts prove that the real issue is not whether China can join the world, but whether the world can continue functioning without China's participation.

It should be noted that China has never proclaimed, “I am the center of the world.” Instead, it is countries around the globe who voluntarily come to China, indicating China’s inherent appeal.

Some may now pivot to the "China threat theory," claiming China aims to dominate, take over the world, and force everyone into its own orbit.

This is classic projection—Western nations have historically acted this way, so they instinctively assume others would too.

But China is pursuing an entirely different path. The five-thousand-year-old civilization has cultivated not an impulse for expansion and conquest, but a deeper wisdom: harmony in diversity.

China has never tried to make the entire world look like itself or dictate how others should live. Instead, China has consistently done the most straightforward things—seeking win-win cooperation. This is an order based on mutual benefit, and also the fundamental logic through which Chinese civilization has managed global relations for thousands of years.

Historically, all empires sustained by military force ended badly—Rome did not, Britain did not, and today’s United States is similarly precarious.

China offers another possibility: a centripetal force not maintained by guns and cannons, but by tangible win-win outcomes and inclusiveness at the civilizational level.

This is true great wisdom—the ability to attract others willingly, rather than forcing them to listen to you.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1866234195996684/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.