By John Q. Hosedrinker 
China’s increased financial contribution to the UN, exceeding 20% this year, significantly boosts its influence within the organization. This rise coincides with a fluctuating U.S. engagement, marked by withdrawals from international agreements under President Trump and subsequent rejoining under President Biden. Trump’s recent executive order signaling a potential second withdrawal from the Paris Agreement further highlights this fluctuating U.S. commitment to multilateralism. The contrasting approaches of the U.S. and China are shaping the dynamics of global cooperation.
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China’s rise to greater influence within the United Nations is undeniably linked to the “America First” policies enacted during the Trump administration. The withdrawal from international agreements and the reduction of US engagement created a power vacuum, one that China, with its long-term strategic vision, was perfectly positioned to fill. It’s a stunning example of how a nation’s retreat from global leadership can inadvertently empower its rivals.
This isn’t a matter of deliberate planning on China’s part, but rather a consequence of the US’s actions. China has always pursued a long game, gradually increasing its economic and political influence. However, the Trump administration’s decisions accelerated this process significantly, offering China a golden opportunity to expand its international standing. Xi Jinping’s current position is a testament to this unexpected boon.
The financial implications are striking. China’s increased contribution to the UN budget, exceeding Japan and nearing the US share, underscores its growing commitment and resulting influence. This financial power translates to greater sway in decision-making processes, allowing China to shape the direction of international initiatives. This financial muscle is not limited to the UN; China’s increased contribution to the World Health Organization demonstrates a similar pattern across various global bodies.
Beyond financial contributions, China’s influence is growing through its personnel. The increasing number of Chinese officials assuming leadership roles within UN agencies, such as the head of the Food and Agriculture Organization, solidifies China’s presence and allows for the implementation of their agendas. This demonstrates a far-reaching strategic approach beyond simply financial investment.
The US’s unpredictable foreign policy under Trump has consistently created opportunities for China. Each canceled USAID contract, each withdrawal from an international agreement, represents a void readily filled by China. It is a consistent pattern that is both remarkable and alarming. Trump’s focus on isolating the US has inadvertently given China a free hand to expand its influence.
Interestingly, this rise to power hasn’t been through direct, aggressive actions. Rather, China has largely benefited from the US’s self-inflicted wounds. While Russia’s imperialistic tendencies have made it a less desirable global partner, China has patiently waited, seemingly observing the US’s internal conflicts and self-destructive tendencies. This passive approach has ironically contributed significantly to China’s increased global standing.
The perception of China’s role also shifts depending on perspective. While some view their growing influence with alarm, others see it as a potential positive, especially in light of the US’s erratic behaviour. Some suggest China might play a more constructive role, for instance, in mediating conflicts or providing aid, particularly in a scenario such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This highlights the complex and multifaceted nature of China’s increased influence.
However, it’s important to remember that China’s primary focus remains its own interests. While this rise in international influence may bring opportunities for global cooperation, it also strengthens a nation with a history of authoritarian rule and human rights violations. It’s a delicate balance between acknowledging China’s potential to fill the leadership void and recognizing the potential risks involved.
The situation underscores a significant shift in global power dynamics. The US’s retreat from multilateralism has provided China with an unprecedented opportunity to advance its interests on the world stage. The long-term consequences of this shift remain uncertain, but the current trajectory is clear: China is capitalizing on the vacuum left by the US’s “America First” policy, significantly increasing its clout within the United Nations and beyond. The world is witnessing a transformation of global leadership, one propelled not by aggressive Chinese expansion, but by the strategic retreat of its main rival.