Hong Kong, February 17: As Donald Trump settles into his second term as U.S. president, China is seizing new opportunities, with President Xi Jinping and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) poised to expand their influence on the global stage. Trump’s unconventional and controversial actions, including alienating allies and creating uncertainty, are only helping to solidify China’s rise as a dominant power. From aggressive rhetoric to cutting foreign aid, the U.S. withdrawal is giving China the chance to position itself as a more reliable partner, especially in regions like Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Trump’s rhetoric on global issues has been troubling, with threats to seize control of territories like the Panama Canal and Greenland, mirroring the territorial ambitions of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi. This creates a global dilemma, as it becomes harder for the international community to criticize Putin or Xi’s similar actions when the U.S. is making provocative statements itself.
One of the earliest moves in Trump’s administration was to cut funding for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) for 90 days. USAID provides 40% of global foreign aid, and its reduction has disrupted international humanitarian assistance. While the U.S. claims this is about ensuring taxpayer money is spent more strategically, the withdrawal of support is creating a vacuum for China to fill. As the U.S. retreats, China is using its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to increase its influence, offering loans and infrastructure development in exchange for strategic and economic gains.
The contrast between U.S. and Chinese approaches to foreign aid is clear. While USAID’s model focuses on humanitarian efforts and strengthening governance, China’s aid is transactional—more focused on securing economic ties rather than promoting democracy. This shift is apparent as countries previously reliant on U.S. assistance now turn to China for support. Michael Schiffer, a former USAID official, warns that in the coming years, China could emerge as the “partner of choice” in many developing countries.
At the Munich Security Conference, Trump’s Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made waves with statements that distanced the U.S. from its traditional allies, downplaying the importance of Ukraine’s territorial integrity and hinting at a reduced U.S. role in NATO. This alienated European leaders, while sending a troubling message to Russia and China that the U.S. may no longer be as committed to global security. For Ukraine, Trump’s potential peace talks with Putin could result in the country losing significant territory, mirroring the appeasement policies of British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain before World War II.
China, meanwhile, continues to strengthen its relationship with Russia and push its narrative of Taiwan’s sovereignty. The country’s growing influence in the Global South, particularly in Africa and Asia, makes it more difficult for the U.S. and its allies to challenge Beijing’s ambitions on Taiwan. With 119 countries already backing China’s claim over Taiwan, the risk of a Chinese invasion with minimal international repercussions is growing. Admiral Sam Paparo, head of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), has warned that China’s military is increasingly prepared for action, including potential moves on Taiwan.
In this complex geopolitical landscape, Trump is either unaware or indifferent to the far-reaching consequences of his policies. As the U.S. retreats, China is content to watch and wait, prepared to step in and fill the leadership vacuum left behind. If Trump does not shift course, the world could be on the brink of a more dangerous and unstable global order.