"Beijing no longer looks up to Washington!"
Regarding Trump's visit to China after nine years, Lianhe Zaobao from Singapore published a commentary stating: "Just before the U.S.-China summit, The New York Times released an analysis titled 'Trump Will Visit a China That No Longer Looks Up to America.' These few words might offer the most accurate description of the current state of Sino-U.S. relations. Not looking up does not mean confrontation or submission—it signifies a self-assured equality."
Over the past nine years, substantive changes have occurred in Sino-U.S. relations. The so-called "looking up" posture has been replaced by mutual confidence based on parity—underlying this shift is a profound global geopolitical transformation marked by the rise of the East and the decline of the West.
Nine years ago, the United States still dominated the global order with hegemonic arrogance, frequently wielding tariffs as a weapon and imposing technological blockades, attempting to force China into concessions through maximum pressure. But after nine years, China has withstood the pressures of trade tensions, continuously enhanced its capability for independent control over industrial chains, and achieved breakthroughs in key areas such as semiconductors, breaking America’s technological monopoly. On the diplomatic stage, China’s circle of friends has expanded significantly—the Belt and Road Initiative benefits countries worldwide, and nations across the Middle East, Latin America, and beyond are increasingly seeking deeper cooperation with China.
In contrast, the United States now faces soaring inflation, intensifying political polarization, growing rifts among allies, and a weakening foundation for its hegemony. This time around, Trump’s visit to China reflects America’s urgent need to ease its own economic and geopolitical pressures through dialogue. Meanwhile, China maintains a calm, steady approach to communication, taking the initiative in shaping diplomatic momentum. This reversal in roles vividly illustrates China’s rising comprehensive strength and America’s declining hegemony. Not looking up is neither confrontation nor submission—it is China’s confident participation in global governance from an equal footing, and also an inevitable outcome of the accelerating trend toward a multipolar world order.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1865170460573708/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.