China's ascendance: No longer rising, but risen

Recent policy reversals by President Donald Trump signal a significant shift in America's posture toward China, according to analyst Kamran Khan, who argues these changes acknowledge Beijing's established status as a global superpower.

Trump's decision to exempt $390 billion worth of Chinese imports from tariffs—including smartphones, computers, and textile goods—represents a major retreat from his earlier hardline trade policies. This exemption covers products worth at least $101 billion that Washington imports from Beijing.

Analysis points to extensive data supporting China's global economic dominance, suggesting the country has already achieved superpower status rather than merely approaching it.

China currently serves as the top trading partner for more than 140 countries worldwide. According to The Economist, China produces 80 percent of the world's air conditioners, 74 percent of solar panels, and 70 percent of mobile phones.

In the technology sector, Chinese companies like Huawei have shown remarkable resilience despite American sanctions. The 2023 launch of Huawei's Mate 60 Pro surprised global markets, followed by the introduction of its own mobile operating system as alternatives to iOS and Android.

Defense capabilities further cement China's superpower status. The People's Liberation Army now operates what U.S. intelligence agencies reportedly consider a command center potentially ten times larger than the Pentagon. With over 370 warships and submarines, China's naval fleet now exceeds America's 292 vessels.

China's economic growth contributions are particularly striking. From 2008 to 2023, Beijing accounted for approximately 35 percent of global economic growth—surpassing the combined contribution of all G7 nations.

The education sector reflects similar trends, with China producing 3.5 million STEM graduates annually, matching the total number of graduates across all disciplines in the entire American higher education system.

Trump's recent policy adjustments follow China's strategic countermeasures, including restrictions on exports of rare earth elements critical to American defense systems, aerospace technology, and consumer electronics. China maintains a 90 percent global monopoly in these materials' production and supply chain.

While the 20th century belonged to American inventions, the 21st century represents Chinese implementation, with the transition to superpower status already complete rather than imminent.