During the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Chinese state media depicted the United States as a declining power. A striking portrayal emerged with a video by the Xinhua news agency, featuring Uncle Sam blowing out birthday candles shaped like ballistic missiles. These symbols of military might launched into the air, targeting Iran on a world map, along with regions impacted by U.S. military actions such as Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya.
Efforts to comment were made by Newsweek, reaching out to the U.S. Embassy in Beijing. This reflects Beijing’s strategic use of state-run media to push narratives about the U.S., casting it as a waning power compared to China’s stable governance model.
During a speech at Mount Rushmore, U.S. President Donald Trump promoted American exceptionalism, warning against communism. However, Xinhua highlighted issues like political deadlock, unresolved social challenges, and divisive foreign policies as indicators of American decline.
American Decline
Xinhua’s editorial labeled America’s constitutional system, once hailed as a pioneering experiment since George Washington, as facing its toughest challenges. The editorial questioned whether U.S. institutions could still solve internal problems, if its foreign policy fitted the evolving global landscape, and if its leadership could adapt to a multipolar world.
Wu Xinbo, an expert from Beijing’s Fudan University, commented on diminishing U.S. global leadership while noting China’s advancements. China leads in merchandise exports, high-speed rail, electric vehicles, and new energy sectors, despite strong U.S. competition in advanced technologies, according to Hu Xijin on Weibo.
Looking towards its 300th anniversary, China’s hopes to surpass the U.S. in national strength and technology were expressed.
Official statements from Chinese leaders took a more diplomatic tone. President Xi Jinping congratulated Trump, and Xie Feng, China’s ambassador to the U.S., expressed hopes for a joyous celebration. The concepts of “Make America Great Again” and the “great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation” were seen as opportunities for both nations to contribute positively to global well-being.