A clearer look at China’s strengths and limits shows a country in transition. The United States, meanwhile, is talking itself into pessimism at a time when both countries face real constraints but also untapped room for adjustment.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Donald Trump meet ahead of their summit talk in Busan, South Korea, October 30, 2025. Credit: Mark Schiefelbein via AP Images
A certain pessimism has settled over the United States. It surfaces in debates on technology, industry, and geopolitical positioning, reflecting a belief that America is losing its edge just as China is gathering momentum.
An excerpt from Xi Jinping's New Year's speech, delivered December 31, 2025. Credit: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
A measure of concern is healthy; strategic competition does demand vigilance. But when anxiety hardens into a narrative of inevitable decline, it risks
Exclusive longform investigative journalism, Q&As, news and analysis, and data on Chinese business elites and corporations. We publish China scoops you won't find anywhere else.
A weekly curated reading list on China from Andrew Peaple.
A daily roundup of China finance, business and economics headlines.
We offer discounts for groups, institutions and students. Go to our Subscriptions page for details.
In an excerpt from his new book, Nicolas Niarchos examines how China and the Democratic Republic of Congo negotiated an infrastructure-for-commodities agreement involving two large Chinese state-owned enterprises and unlikely private sector partner.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OKPrivacy policy
