The United States was once a generous global leader, able to coordinate ambitious multinational responses in a global emergency. But in today’s chaotic world, the US has not taken such steps – it has officially notified the United Nations secretary general of its withdrawal from the World Health Organisation (WHO), accusing it of being a puppet of China. Despite being one of the most advanced and dominant countries, the ineffectiveness of the US in handling its domestic epidemic has frustrated its European allies . Meanwhile, Beijing seems to be managing the crisis effectively despite early mistakes, and other countries are learning from how China uses strict isolation measures, and receiving much-needed surgical masks and protection equipment , ventilators and medical teams from China. The Chinese government has successfully changed public opinion through medical supplies and its speedy adjustment to the crisis , which the US is afraid of. The economic shock and unemployment caused by the pandemic have not only taken a heavy toll on the US’ reputation but also threatens US President Donald Trump’s re-election. To divert criticism, Trump has repeatedly thrown allegations at and threatened the WHO over its response to Covid-19. From the Paris Agreement to the WHO, Trump certainly has his personal political calculations. Still, from a deeper perspective, this represents a tendency within the US to increasingly shed its responsibilities to the world and its allies. Is the withdrawal of the US from the international stage a strategic contraction or a forced resignation? Is China ready for global leadership as the US becomes increasingly isolationist? The answers are unclear. Johnny H.Y. Cheung, Ma On Shan