Chinese Strategic Elites View Global Politics as Entering Warring States Era

Beijing's strategic leaders view the current global political landscape as shifting from a Spring and Autumn period to a Warring States era, a metaphor they increasingly resonate with. This outlook arises as the post-World War II international order faces significant scrutiny, including from within China. The nation's trajectory is believed to hinge more on articulating a dependable political vision rather than solely on economic might. Governments in Europe and North America are ramping up rearmament efforts and striving for greater strategic independence. Meanwhile, US allies in the Middle East are pursuing engagement with Iran without Washington's influence. There is a call for Beijing to formulate a cohesive proposal to supplant the current world order, which is being undermined by US volatility. This vision is deemed essential for China's strategy in this emerging global context.