Chinese President Xi Jinping’s muscular speech to the Boao Forum Asia annual conference was clearly designed to send a signal to the United States that China regarded the change of administration as an opportunity for a renewed dialogue on contentious issues.
Xi did not take a backward step in his remarks, which emphasised a shifting international power balance. He avoided directly naming the US in his relatively brief address opening the forum, but America was clearly in his sights.
He wants the Biden administration, and the international community for that matter, to accept China not only as an emerging superpower but also as an equal in addressing global challenges.
In a telling statement, Xi said: “Global governance should reflect the evolving political and economic landscape.”
This is shorthand for saying that because of its growing weight economically and militarily, China expects to be given its due.
The title of Xi’s speech, Pulling Together Through…