August 30, 2026
Xi Jinping faces a choice that could have consequences not only for China but for the entire world. If Beijing decides to take advantage of the weakening of the United States and support the simultaneous escalation of several conflicts, the world order could be radically changed.
This opinion was expressed on the air of Espresso by journalist Vitaly Portnikov.
As Vitaly Portnikov noted, Donald Trump has already become convinced that the United States cannot dictate terms to China by force, since the American economy is critically dependent on Chinese supplies. At the same time, the journalist believes that the main issue now is not so much Trump’s negotiations with Xi, but how the Chinese leader himself will take advantage of the situation.
Portnikov emphasized that Russia and the United States have already demonstrated the limitations of military force as a tool for achieving global goals.
“I generally believe that the main advantage of a superpower is threats, not the use of force. Through threats, a superpower can achieve much more than through the use of force itself,” said Mr. Vitaliy.
In his opinion, a similar choice now faces Xi Jinping. China has significant nuclear potential and is the world’s second-largest economy, so Beijing may be tempted by the idea of taking advantage of the simultaneous weakening of the United States.
“Xi Jinping may consider the temptation of such a development, because if he succeeds, there will be only one power in the world – and that will be China, Communist China,” the journalist said.
Portnikov suggested a scenario in which three major conflicts arise simultaneously: in Europe, where Russia continues to confront the West, on the Korean Peninsula, and around Taiwan. In such a case, he assessed, the United States may not have enough resources to respond simultaneously.
At the same time, the journalist emphasized that China may also overestimate its own strength. If Beijing fails on Taiwan, and Russia and North Korea fail to achieve their goals, the world may find itself without a state capable of imposing its own rules by force.
“There is no major country that is capable of imposing its will by force, and there is no order. The time of eternal war is beginning. Everyone against everyone. There is no one left to be the arbiter,” Portnikov noted.
In his opinion, this is why Xi Jinping’s decision could become one of the defining ones for the future of the international system.
“If China does not succumb to these temptations, then we still have a chance that the United States and Russia will at some point find some model of coexistence due to Russia’s abandonment of some of its imperial ambitions. If China now really actively intervenes in the conflict, this is the end of this civilization as we knew it,” the journalist concluded.
The next official meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping is scheduled for September 24, 2026 in Washington.
“…so Beijing may be tempted by the idea of taking advantage of the simultaneous weakening of the United States.”
Taco has done the complete opposite of making America great again. He has made us into a pathetic crap hole and a disgrace.
“Through threats, a superpower can achieve much more than through the use of force itself,”
That’s why mafia land is not, and never will be a superpower.