In the 21st century, China aspires to become the world’s leading power. Beijing believes current global uncertainty provides the opportunity to shape a multipolar world where China is a dominant player. Key to this strategy is Beijing’s goal to bring Taiwan under its control and strengthen its position on the world stage.
The U.S., especially under Donald Trump, is retreating from many global positions, creating a power vacuum that China is increasingly looking to fill. This is apparent in, for example, the freezing of U.S. military contracts with Taiwan and ongoing negotiations between Washington and Beijing.
China is boosting military activity around Taiwan and exerting pressure on neighbors like Vietnam, the Philippines, and Japan. Economically, Beijing is strengthening its positions through the “Belt and Road Initiative,” investing in major infrastructure projects across Central Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
China also controls a significant share of global critical minerals markets—such as cobalt, lithium, and copper—and is developing port projects to monopolize key trade routes. These moves often prompt resistance from countries seeking to preserve autonomy and reduce dependence on China.
As the U.S. recalibrates its international strategy, more nations are reconsidering how to counter China’s ambitions and avoid undue dominance by Beijing in the evolving world order.
