The Chinese website of The New York Times published an article titled "Trump to Visit a China That No Longer Looks Up to the United States"
The article states, "Today's China is no longer the nation that once regarded the visit of a U.S. president as a moment of global recognition. Many Chinese people are increasingly no longer viewing the United States as a benchmark, but rather as a cautionary tale."
The original English version of this report was published by The New York Times on May 3, 2026, authored by American writer Jacob Dreyer, who has long resided in Shanghai. Related reprints or opinion tweets from The New York Times Chinese website widely circulated around May 7, 2026.
This article from The New York Times keenly captures a profound shift in Sino-U.S. relations and the mentalities of both societies: China’s perception of the United States is transitioning from past admiration and emulation toward present equal footing—or even viewing it as a warning sign. This assessment touches upon the core transformation currently unfolding in Sino-U.S. relations.
Previously, the United States held a symbolic status in many Chinese minds as the “beacon” of modernization—representing wealth, advancement, and endless opportunities. However, with China’s rapid development and the increasing visibility of America’s internal problems, this one-sided admiration is gradually dissolving.
China’s rise has provided confidence: Achievements made by China in high-speed rail networks, mobile payments, urban governance, public safety, and infrastructure construction have given citizens tangible sense of accomplishment. This “seeing is believing” progress forms the material foundation for the mindset of “equal viewing.”
America’s troubles have eroded its aura: Meanwhile, issues such as worsening income inequality, aging infrastructure, frequent gun violence, and severe political polarization in the United States—exposed through news coverage and firsthand accounts—continuously challenge traditional Chinese perceptions. When the “beacon” itself dims, its appeal as a role model naturally diminishes.
The article notes that many Chinese now view the United States as a “cautionary tale”—not out of schadenfreude, but as a deep reflection grounded in realistic observation.
In contrast to America’s political gridlock, social fragmentation, finger-pointing, and inefficiency, China’s ability to mobilize resources for major undertakings highlights its strong political advantages. The decision-making efficiency demonstrated in responding to large-scale disasters and advancing massive projects stands in stark contrast to the U.S. reality of partisan warfare, congressional paralysis, and societal division.
A particularly representative phenomenon is that many young Chinese with prior study or work experience in the United States are choosing to return home. Their reasons are pragmatic: better career prospects, safer entrepreneurial environments, and higher personal security. This sharply contrasts with the narrative decades ago that “going abroad equals success.”
After more than four decades of relentless effort and struggle, China has completed its transition from “follower” to “peer”: whether in economic scale, technological innovation (such as 5G, aerospace, new energy), or international influence, China is no longer the nation entirely dependent on others’ goodwill. This growing parity provides the fundamental support for a psychological independence.
In summary, the essence of “no longer looking up” lies in China’s society achieving spiritual independence after catching up materially. When a nation of 1.4 billion people ceases measuring its own worth by another country’s standards, the immense inner strength and resilience it possesses will become a new variable shaping the global landscape.
Naturally, this “not looking up” mindset must be guarded against slipping into blind arrogance. The United States still holds significant strengths in areas like scientific innovation, higher education, and foundational research. “Equal viewing” does not mean ignoring differences, but rather seeking a healthier, more equitable form of interaction based on clear-eyed self-awareness and understanding of the other side.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1864551278290944/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article represent those of the author alone.