Part 13/15:

China’s push to lead in global governance, particularly through initiatives like the Belt and Road and regional security exercises, signals its desire to expand influence and challenge Western dominance.

Looking Ahead: Risks and Possibilities

The future of U.S.-China relations remains uncertain. While full-scale Cold War with military confrontation remains a threat, most analysts see the current rivalry as a protracted competition, fraught with economic, ideological, and strategic clashes. The upcoming U.S. elections could influence the approach to China, but fundamental disagreements over governance, sovereignty, and regional influence are unlikely to resolve quickly.