In recent years, the United States has failed to reshape world affairs to its liking as it once could. From its inability to oust Bashar Assad from Syria, to its unilateral revocation of the Iran nuclear deal, to its unsuccessful pressuring of allies to block Huawei, we see an America that has lost its touch on the global stage.

Economic clout shifting to emerging economies, combined with great power peace, have begun to challenge the United States’ alliance strategy: for many longtime allies, the military aspect of national interest no longer comes first.

The liberal international order is not falling apart. However, one must also ask what exactly the “liberal international order” is.

The U.S. cannot continue to think that it will define the international system. China’s rising power means a change of world order is inevitable.

The UN and China should fill the vacuum the US is leaving.

But no one should be tempted by exaggerated projections of Chinese power. If the US maintains its alliances with democratic Japan and Australia and continues to develop good relations with India, it will hold the high cards in Asia. In the global military balance, China lags far behind, and in terms of demography, technology, the monetary system, and energy dependence, the US is better placed than China in the coming decade. In the Soft Power 30 index, China ranks 25th, while the US is third.

Industrial technological competition is at the center of China-US competition.

As Trump pulls the US back from the world stage, China steps up.

World order is changing fast. China and the US need to forge a closer relationship that will serve as a solid anchor for a world buffeted by strong winds and hail.

Recently, the leaders of the world descended upon New York City for the opening of the 72nd United Nations General Assembly. However, despite Trump’s debut speech generating great interest and concern amongst the world and it’s leaders, several notable leaders were absent, namely China’s President Xi Jinping.