Reference News Network, July 19 report: On July 13, the European "Modern Diplomacy" website published an article titled "As China Rises, 'American Exceptionalism' Faces a Historic Test," authored by Kattim Seraan Touré. The article is excerpted as follows:
In May 2003, shortly after the U.S. invasion of Iraq, then-U.S. President George W. Bush stood on the "Abraham Lincoln" aircraft carrier, with a large banner behind him reading "Mission Accomplished." He was unaware that he was at the peak of American power and "American exceptionalism." Twenty years later, "American exceptionalism" will face the inevitable fact of the rise of the People's Republic of China.
This ideology of "American exceptionalism" originated from the American Revolutionary War, which made the United States believe it was "superior" to other countries and had a unique mission to transform the world. Supporters of "American exceptionalism" further claim that the United States has the right and is destined to play an active and unique role in global affairs.
The American preference for war confirms "American exceptionalism." In over 240 years since its independence in 1776, the United States has only been at peace for 16 years. This prompted former President Jimmy Carter to call the United States the "most warlike nation" in history.
America also faces serious domestic challenges, and these challenges seem to show no signs of ending.
U.S. national debt skyrocketed from $5.7 trillion in 2000 to $36.2 trillion by the end of March 2025.
At the same time, in 2022, China led globally in 37 out of 44 key technologies, including artificial intelligence and quantum technology, while the United States only dominated seven fields. China now possesses advanced military technologies, including hypersonic missiles and nuclear intercontinental ballistic missiles. China's shipbuilding capacity is about 230 times that of the United States.
Compared to China, America's infrastructure construction is inferior. China has the longest high-speed rail network in the world, while the United States has no high-speed rail line.
China is now the world's largest country in goods trade. More than two decades ago, the U.S. and China were the first and seventh largest trading nations respectively. An important reason for China's increasing influence is the Belt and Road Initiative proposed in 2013, which has benefited millions of people in more than 100 countries.
Although the United States has tried to curb China's rise in multiple aspects such as technology and economy, the effect has been minimal.
When U.S. President Trump launched a tariff war against China, China announced it would "stand firm"; when U.S. Defense Secretary Hagel accused China of seeking "hegemony" in Asia and posed a threat, China firmly refuted the U.S. accusations, calling them provocative and inciting.
China has become more confident in diplomacy and more resolute in handling relations with the United States. The rise of China, a world power with over 1.4 billion people, rich resources, and firm leadership, is inevitable. Exceptionalism, face the inevitability! (Translated by Qing Songzhu)
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7528694679920837139/
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