As Trump upends the international order, China poses as a model of stability
Even as its economy slows, China is using its annual National People's Congress to present itself as a global stalwart as Trump upends America's alliances.
BEIJING — As President Donald Trump gave a fiery and divisive speech to a joint session of Congress last week, a much more staid political event was underway on the other side of the world.
The annual gathering of the National People’s Congress, China’s parliament is tightly choreographed, with all decisions made in advance by the ruling Chinese Communist Party. Security is even tighter than usual around central Beijing and armies of volunteers wearing red armbands are stationed on street corners and at subway stations.
Though there are few surprises and no debate, the weeklong National People’s Congress does offer clues to China’s priorities at home and how it plans to approach the world.
Even as it faces a slowing economy, China appears to be making a strategic decision to present itself as a global stalwart amid a world in turmoil as Trump upends international trade and long-standing alliances, eroding U.S. prestige and creating an opportunity for China to fill the void.
Delegates and security before the opening session of the National People’s Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Wednesday.Kevin Frayer / Getty ImagesAs if to underscore China’s relative steadfastness, Foreign Minister Wang Yi rarely gestured or moved his hands at his annual news conference on Friday. He used the word “stability” at least 14 times during 90 minutes in front of reporters, according to Chinese transcripts.
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