The news coming out of the world’s largest economy – from mass shootings to a divided political system – has heightened young Chinese’s unfavourable view of the US. The recent Summit for Democracy appears to be little more than a moralising platform to sell a political system that is far from ideal.
The relentless China bashing that has given way to tit-for-tat military posturing is depressing, as closed mindsets feed paranoia. That US-China trade has grown despite the tensions signals the strong natural drive for partnership and cooperation.
From China’s socialist path to Latin America’s left turn and Asean’s neutral stance, more countries are quietly but firmly spurning the Western world order.
American rhetoric about the threat of China and attempts to counter its power are both bewildering and frustrating for ordinary Chinese people. A population that once looked up to the US now looks on aghast at the violence perpetuated both within and outside its borders.
In addition to sparking a humanitarian crisis and reviving the nuclear threat, the war in Ukraine is causing widespread food shortages and has stifled cooperation in the fight against climate change. With the pandemic still raging, global events have coalesced to create a perfect storm.
