displays stubborn deficiencies in its ideological, cultural, and communications power posture and influence potential. It has no real multilateral political or military alliances. China’s national narrative focuses on state control and social order over individual liberties in a manner that resonates poorly outside of authoritarian circles despit

China’s projected economic power advantages are unlikely to fully eclipse those of the United States in the coming decade, and Chinese economic power may not be sustainable in the out-years.35 Beijing must find a way to redress looming weaknesses certain to constrain economic growth, including a fast-aging population, an educational and intellect

The impressive arc of China’s international economic ascent also flattened in the early 2020s. Its robust and well-received international infrastructure programs, mostly as part of Beijing’s so-called Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), came under stress. Many of Beijing’s BRI projects have not produced the envisioned economic returns, even thoug