The commentaries came after Trump reiterated his “America First” approach, suggesting a more inward-looking superpower in the next four years. (Photo : Getty Images)
State media in China took advantage of the U.S. presidential inauguration, striking a chance to critique the foundations of Western democracy, according to an article by Bloomberg.
In contrast to the current political climate in the U.S., senior officials have been quick to praise the government in China, crediting it with stability and unity.
The People's Daily, the flagship paper of China's Communist Party, stated that democracy has reached its limits and an inevitable deterioration awaits the future of capitalism.
They even go as far as quoting the late Chairman Mao Zedong's 1949 poem urging people to shun democracy and that the ultimate defeat of capitalism would enable Communism to emerge triumphant.
A Global Opportunity
The commentaries came after Trump reiterated his "America First" approach, suggesting a more inward-looking superpower in the next four years. Experts see this as an opportunity for China to take on a bigger global role.
According to Zhang Ming, a political science professor at Renminbi University in Beijing, Communist party leaders are aiming for a future China that will matter globally and create its own universal values.
"China does not have a better Communist system that it used to have, but the global economic and political turmoil has undermined public confidence in western democracy," he said.
Unsolved Problems
However, observers note that China still faces several hurdles towards global supremacy. This includes questions on its commitment to rule of law and governance among foreign companies operating abroad.
In addition, while it has gained greater military and economic clout in Asia, China is currently involved in several territorial disputes in the East China and South China Seas. This has proved a challenge in exhibiting its soft power among its Asian neighbors.
For Li Daokui, former adviser to the People's Bank of China, there is also a potential risk of a trade war with the new Trump administration, given America's new protectionist approach.
"There will be several rounds of battles and China needs to be wise and think about solutions in areas he might initiate battles," said Li.
