Xi’s bid to remake global governance

President Xi Jinping is actively seeking to reshape global governance structures. Following the US President Donald Trump's mocking of the United Nations (UN) and subsequent withdrawal from 31 UN entities, China has been filling the void. Its diplomats are strategically positioning themselves within UN agencies, focusing on areas such as technical standards and human rights.

Reports suggest China may bid to host the UN climate summit in 2028. Chinese officials are also considering shifting the UN headquarters from New York to Shanghai. Xi Jinping, in his attempt to position China as the responsible steward of the UN, is traveling to Global South countries to argue that the US has abandoned its progressive institutions established after World War II.

The Chinese leader aims to portray Beijing as a firm steward of global governance, countering what he perceives as unfair practices like double standards, exceptionalism, and foreign interference. This approach is seen as a geopolitical move to influence Trump's upcoming summit in Washington, DC. China aims to present itself as a reliable ally, offering trade, investment, and technological support.

In Kyrgyzstan, Xi signed agreements to strengthen economic ties with Central Asia, while in Egypt, he pledged assistance in AI development—Huawei reportedly bidding to build data centers for Egypt. Chinese academics are increasingly vocal about the approaching Sinocentric order, suggesting that the Pax Americana is ending. Despite contributing modestly to the UN's regular budget, China is pushing for the UN to align with its political values.

President Xi's objectives during his visit to Washington are twofold: preserving a constructive strategic stability with Trump and ultimately aiming to replace the US at the heart of global governance by challenging democratic norms.