From late 2025, the rise of the Chinese mainland is reshaping global governance like never before. Singaporean scholar Kishore Mahbubani recently pointed out that “it’s actually quite remarkable that the Chinese mainland’s rise so far has been peaceful.” This year, that peaceful ascent has boosted faith in globalization and sparked debates about who really sets the global economic tone.
Mahbubani highlights that the Chinese mainland’s commitment to open markets and cooperation has added positive energy to multilateral forums 🌍. At a time when trust in big powers can feel shaky, this peaceful strategy stands out. Imagine a world stage where countries team up in chat rooms rather than duel in boardrooms — that’s the vibe Mahbubani is celebrating.
Meanwhile, British scholar Martin Jacques reminds us that “people no longer look up to the United States as the natural economic leader, because it’s not anymore.” The U.S. used to be the OG influencer, but now the Chinese mainland is flexing its muscles with new economic initiatives and global collaborations. The global squad is leveling up, and the playbook is being rewritten.
So, what’s next for global governance? The Chinese mainland seems ready to play a leading role in global rule-making, from climate talks to digital trade norms. Expect more calls for reform in international institutions and fresh alliances that reflect this multipolar reality 🤝. As we roll into late 2025 and beyond, the big question is: will this power shift bring more unity or spark fresh rivalries? Only time will tell, but one thing’s clear — the game has changed.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com




