The U.S. and China running the world together? China says no thanks

BEIJING — For President Donald Trump, global power could come down to the United States and China — what he calls the “G2,” or Group of Two. But China is less seduced by this idea, at least publicly.

The concept of “G2” – a more exclusive version of the Group of Seven or Group of 20 forums – was introduced in 2005 by American economist C. Fred Bergsten to emphasize the importance of communication between the world’s two largest economies. Although it was initially embraced by some policymakers, the idea fell out of favor in Washington due to growing tensions with Beijing, particularly during Trump’s first term.

However, last fall, Trump repeatedly used the term “G2” to refer to his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea, without specifying how a “G2” world order would work in practice. He is expected to meet Xi again during his trip to China later this month.

For China, Trump’s casual use of “G2” is an acknowledgment of its growing power, suggesting that the United States and China are global peers and should have a say in international affairs. But for U.S. allies, it raises fears that Washington and Beijing could exclude them from important decision-making and make deals that go against their interests.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, China’s top diplomat, sought to allay those fears Sunday at a news conference on the sidelines of China’s annual legislative session in Beijing.

“There is no doubt that China and the United States have a significant impact on the world. But we must not forget that there are more than 190 countries on our planet,” he said in response to a question from NBC News. “World history has always been written by many countries together, and the future of humanity will be forged through the collective efforts of all nations. »

The concept of the “G2” is thorny for China, which bases much of its diplomacy in the South on opposition to the idea that major powers should dictate their orders to smaller ones. He is also reluctant to take on more responsibility for global governance if it means getting drawn into conflicts in the Middle East and elsewhere that have crippled the United States.

Wang said China “will never seek hegemony or expansion” and wants to build “an equal and orderly multipolar world.”

“Looking back in history, great-power rivalry and bloc confrontation have invariably inflicted disaster and suffering on humanity,” he said. “Therefore, China will never follow the beaten path of seeking hegemony as its strength grows. We also do not subscribe to the logic that the world can be ruled by big countries.”

Although questions and answers at Wang’s annual news conference are coordinated in advance, it is a rare opportunity to hear directly from one of China’s most senior officials. His responses show how China views its position in the world and its relations with other countries, including the United States.

The U.S.-China relationship has “global and far-reaching implications,” Wang said.

“Turning our backs on each other would only lead to mutual misperceptions and miscalculations,” he said. “Slipping into conflict or confrontation could lead to the downfall of the entire world. »

Although U.S.-China relations have been tested by Trump’s global tariffs, Trump speaks often of his “great relationship” with Xi and has spoken with him twice by telephone since their October meeting.

“It is heartening to see that the presidents of the two countries have led by example, maintaining good interactions at the highest level,” Wang said. “They have provided an important strategic safeguard for China-US relations to improve and move forward, and they have brought their relations back to an equal footing after the ups and downs.”

Trump and Xi are expected to meet up to four times this year, starting with Trump’s three-day trip to China that the White House says will begin on March 31.

Xi is then expected to return the favor by visiting the United States, and he may also attend the G20 summit in Miami in December. In November, Trump may attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit that China is hosting in Shenzhen.

2026 is a “big year” for U.S.-China relations, Wang said.

“The agenda for high-level exchanges is already on the table,” he said. “What both sides need to do now is to prepare thoroughly accordingly, create an appropriate environment, manage existing risks and eliminate unnecessary disruptions.”

Ongoing US-Israeli strikes against Iran, which has close ties to China, could disrupt the Trump-Xi summit.

On Sunday, Wang reiterated Beijing’s calls for an immediate halt to military action and a return to dialogue, saying war with Iran “does no good for anyone.”

“As I see the Middle East ravaged by flames, I want to say that this is a war that should not have happened,” he said. “It’s a war that serves no purpose.”

Wang also rejected “abuse of force” and violations of international law.

“The law of the jungle must not return and rule the world,” he said. “The deliberate use of force does not prove a person’s strength.”