Xi Is Getting What He Wants

Chinese President Xi Jinping is capitalizing on the current vulnerability of the United States to expand China's global influence, according to a film and official statements. The movie, which portrays the United States as an imperialist invader, has been well-received in China and reinforces the government's message that America is the enemy.

As Xi arrives in Washington for his first state visit since 2015, his timing seems opportune, coming at a time when domestic issues have weakened the American administration. Despite Trump's recent praise for Xi as a respected friend, Xi's actions indicate otherwise. Throughout his 14 years in power, China's president has consistently undermined the United States through various means, including the Belt and Road Initiative and the introduction of "Made in China 2025" to dominate manufacturing industries.

While China's economy still relies on the U.S. for growth, Xi has been working to reduce China's dependence on the United States by developing homegrown technology, promoting the Chinese currency globally, and expanding trade with developing nations. However, China's economy remains heavily dependent on the U.S., and Xi's strategy has been to undermine American power without engaging in direct confrontation.

Xi has been cautious not to provoke a costly conflict, such as the Thucydides Trap, which suggests that an established power will inevitably clash with a rising one. Despite Trump's comments on China's decline, Xi remains focused on enhancing China's technological and industrial might, diplomatically asserting Beijing's global leadership, and positioning China as a more stable and reliable great power than the United States.