For decades, many Chinese held a complex view of the United States — a mix of admiration for its wealth and innovation, envy of its power, and resentment of its dominance. Even critics of American foreign policy often conceded that the US system worked. That image has been shattered during Donald Trump’s second term.
Chinese officials, state media, and nationalist commentators now routinely portray the United States as a fading superpower — chaotic, divided, and in irreversible decline. They argue that Trump’s policies have accelerated America’s fall while strengthening China’s global position.
This perspective, once mostly confined to nationalist online forums, has moved into mainstream discourse. A recent study by Brookings Institution researchers found that references to “American decline” in official Chinese sources nearly doubled in 2025.A think tank affiliated with Renmin University published a report titled “Thank Trump,” claiming his tariffs, attacks on allies, anti-immigration policies, and domestic chaos have unintentionally boosted China’s rise. The report called Trump an “accelerator of American political decay.”
Chinese analysts point to political polarization, institutional dysfunction, mass shootings, and economic inequality as signs that the American model is failing. These stories are widely shared on Chinese social media with commentary celebrating America’s troubles.
A 31-year-old education consultant in northern China (who asked to be identified only by his family name, Wang) said parents who once dreamed of Ivy League educations for their children now view America as “too chaotic.”A decade ago, more than 80% of his students considered the US for study abroad. Today, that figure has dropped to around 45%.
Strategic Calculations in Beijing
Chinese foreign policy experts increasingly see opportunities in America’s perceived weakness. Some argue Trump’s transactional style allows Beijing to extract concessions through economic leverage. Professor Huang Jing of Shanghai International Studies University suggested that only China can deliver the kind of visible economic wins Trump needs ahead of midterm elections, such as large purchases of American agricultural products.
Wu Xinbo of Fudan University noted that the war in Iran has distracted Washington and reduced US leverage over China, creating space for Beijing to advance its interests.
Despite the confident rhetoric, Chinese leaders are not reckless. Beijing understands that an unstable America can also be unpredictable and dangerous. China’s export-driven economy still needs a relatively stable global order.As one Chinese economist observed, Xi Jinping is getting “the United States he always wanted — and the America he most feared at the same time.”As Trump arrives in Beijing this week for his summit with Xi, both sides are navigating a relationship shaped by intense competition, deep suspicion, and a growing belief in China that history is moving decisively in Beijing’s favor.
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