U.S. President Donald Trump’s approach to promoting peace in Ukraine has brought significant changes. China needs to find new roles for itself in promoting the peace process, while continuing to advocate political solutions.

The future is uncertain for the European Union as powerful regimes with inward-looking agendas have begun rolling out policy in the U.S., Germany, and France, due in no small part to the second Trump administration. For Europe, NATO, and the conflict in Ukraine, this could potentially lead to unprecedented changes in the modern global order.

Trump’s proudly professed vision of greatness has once again become foreign policy, casting doubts over the stability of America’s relationships with even its closest allies. Could this sudden shift in paradigm strengthen China’s positions globally?

If Europe fails to awaken and respond to its humiliating rejection by the United States, it will lose not only its seat at the table for Ukraine-Russia peace talks but also its status as a leading player in the future multipolar world.

Simon Lacey, Head of Digital Trade and Geopolitics at the World Economic Forum, in a recent interview with Marc Smrikarov of China-US Focus, discusses areas where U.S. and Chinese interests align, such as global financial stability and freedom of navigation. Additionally, he emphasizes the need for patience and understanding on both sides, and to recognize the importance of cooperation in a shifting multipolar world. He also highlights the fragmentation of AI development between the U.S. and China, warning that the lack of cross-collaboration could hinder innovation, and urges a more rational approach to labeling AI and semiconductors as dual-use technologies in national security contexts.

Ukraine crisis lingers as the transatlantic alliance faces an uncertain future. Meanwhile, the international order is undergoing a profound restructuring as the sand shifts under traditional commitments by the United States and as Europe seeks greater autonomy.

By trying to weaponize the U.S. tariffs on America's big trade partners against China, President Trump is basing bad economics on worse geopolitics. It could prove a costly prelude to a global downturn.

Former Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh’s pragmatic diplomacy shaped Sino-Indian relations, balancing engagement with restraint despite domestic criticism. His legacy highlights the tension between economic cooperation and strategic caution in India's China policy.

Philippine-China relations seem to be in a state of despair as the Marcos regime is opening the door for heavier U.S. presence on its islands, especially those nearest to China. By bringing these rival powers into tighter quarters with one another, how can both sides ensure that each others’ interests can be well protected without crossing any red lines?

Washington and Beijing display stark contrasts in their approaches to the world and to each other. The dividing lines highlight the extremes — perpetrators and victims, oppressors and the oppressed, aggressors and defenders.