China Asserts Stability Role Amid Trump’s Political Turmoil

China is positioning itself as a global champion of stability during a period marked by political upheaval in the United States. This shift was evident at the recent Xiangshan Forum in Beijing, where from October 16 to 18, 2023, approximately 1,800 military officers, diplomats, and academics from 100 countries gathered to discuss pressing security matters. The backdrop for this year’s discussions included Donald Trump’s return to the White House and a significant military parade showcasing China’s latest defense capabilities.

During the forum, China’s Defence Minister Dong Jun reassured attendees that a stronger People’s Liberation Army (PLA) would not pose a threat to global stability. He emphasized that China’s military strategy is grounded in peaceful development and security partnerships, stating, “The stronger the PLA becomes, the stronger the power to constrain war will grow, and the more assured world peace and development will be.”

The military parade on September 3, 2023, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, featured advanced military technology, including cutting-edge fighter jets, hypersonic missiles, and AI-powered drones. It also marked a significant milestone for China’s military capabilities, as the country showcased its nuclear triad, joining the ranks of the United States and Russia.

The forum coincided with a meeting of leaders from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), including Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, and Narendra Modi, which underscored a noticeable shift in the global order influenced by recent actions from the Trump administration. According to Choi Shing Kwok, director of the ASEAN Studies Centre at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, the severity of Trump’s trade tariffs has disrupted Southeast Asian economies and is prompting nations in the region to seek new partnerships to ensure economic stability.

Chinese officials leveraged the forum to advocate for Xi’s Global Governance Initiative (GGI), a proposal aimed at strengthening and reforming the United Nations-centered international system. While this initiative has garnered support from parts of the Global South, critics in the West argue that it lacks the institutional foundation needed for effective implementation.

Discussions at the forum also highlighted the complexities of current U.S.-China relations. Da Wei, a professor at Tsinghua University, noted that China does not aspire to replace the U.S. as the hegemonic power. He suggested that both countries must recognize the changing global landscape and the end of the era of globalization that once defined their relationship. “If we all admit that the times have changed, globalisation has disappeared, neoliberalism has ended … we may consider the changes in our relationship in the new era,” he stated.

In a panel focused on resolving local conflicts, Oleksandr Chalyi, a former deputy foreign minister of Ukraine, shared insights regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine. He highlighted the necessity of a political process for sustainable peace, asserting that the resolution of the conflict must involve active participation from major powers, including the United States, the European Union, and China.

Echoing this sentiment, Feng Zhongping, director general of the Institute of European Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, warned that Europe faces unprecedented security challenges. He urged European nations to engage in constructive dialogue with Russia, suggesting that historical precedents from post-World War II cooperation should guide current efforts for peace.

Overall, the Xiangshan Forum served as a platform for China to assert its role as a stabilizing force in an increasingly volatile international landscape, capitalizing on the political uncertainty stemming from the United States. As global dynamics shift, the implications of these discussions could reshape international relations in the coming years.