Imran Khalid

Not surprisingly, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, a seasoned diplomat, opted for parables to characterize Donald Trump’s foreign policy. Addressing an audience at the Munich Security Conference, he remarked, “No matter which way the wind blows — north, south, east or west — we will remain calm and unshakable.” This, however, should not be mistaken for passive detachment. Beijing is not merely an observer of Trump’s seismic shifts in global affairs; rather, it is fastidiously recalibrating its strategy. As Washington unsettles transatlantic relations, China’s approach is neither reactionary nor resigned but calculated — a quiet yet assertive force adapting to the evolving geopolitical landscape with precision and foresight. Beijing’s perspective is apparent — a new global order is rapidly taking shape, one that may soon establish a G2 framework, effectively sidelining the Western-dominated Group of Seven. The G20 might persist as a supplementary platform, but the real power struggle will center on Washington and Beijing — G2.

Two key elements define Trump’s global impact. First, his controversial demands — ranging from musings over acquiring Greenland to negotiations with Moscow on Ukraine — underscore Washington’s bid to consolidate control over the Western Hemisphere. Second, his aggressive tariff wars signal an economic realignment. China, fully aware of Trump’s transactional approach, is consciously preparing for a prolonged contest over global trade and influence. Instead of reacting impulsively, Beijing is redesigning its strategy, reinforcing its economic defenses and expanding its........

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