Key facts
- China is promoting a multipolar world order, presenting its domestic struggles as strengths.
- Beijing's foreign policy is described as "de-Americanization," aiming for less dependence on Washington.
- China's exports to the U.S. have fallen to around 15% of its total trade.
- The number of Chinese students in American universities has dropped by 25% since 2019.
- China has expanded its influence through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative and the BRICS bloc.
- China's GDP grew by 5.3% in the first half of 2025 and 4.7% in the first half of 2026.
China is actively shaping a multipolar global order, presenting its domestic resilience and policy achievements as a viable alternative to Western dominance. This narrative, rooted in what officials term the "six struggles"—against poverty, corruption, pollution, technological blockades, financial crises, and hegemony—is gaining traction internationally, particularly in the Global South. Beijing's foreign policy is characterized by a strategy of "de-Americanization," aiming to reduce reliance on Washington through shifts in trade, education, and multilateral engagement.
While exports to the U.S. have decreased as a percentage of China's total trade, overall trade has grown. The number of Chinese students studying in American universities has also declined, with a notable increase in those choosing European or Canadian institutions, or remaining in China. In multilateral forums, China is expanding its influence through expanded blocs like BRICS, which now includes 11 members, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Despite these efforts, the U.S. still holds the top spot in the Global Soft Power Index, though China has risen to second place.
The appeal of China's model is particularly evident in developing nations, where Chinese-funded infrastructure projects and loans are provided with fewer policy conditions than Western assistance. African officials, for instance, have noted that China encourages collaboration rather than demanding allegiance to either Washington or Beijing. This approach is also being discussed in academic circles in India, Indonesia, and South Africa as a potential alternative to the post-1945 American-led global order.
Beyond traditional infrastructure, China is undergoing a significant economic rewiring, driven by advancements in technology and energy. The country has installed 5.1 million 5G base stations and is exploring 6G technology, integrating these networks across 94 major economic categories. China has also surpassed its 2030 renewable energy targets, with solar capacity reaching 1,274 gigawatts by July 2026. This shift towards energy abundance is fueling growth in clean-tech exports, particularly electric vehicles, which saw a 49% increase in May 2026 to $9.2 billion. President Xi Jinping has signaled a willingness to share China's AI expertise, proposing international cooperation centers and training opportunities for developing nations, framing AI as a public good.