Chinese Media Portrays U.S. As Power in Decline Amid Independence Day Celebrations

During the U.S. Independence Day celebration marking 250 years since the Declaration of Independence, Chinese state media focused on depicting the United States as a declining global power. The portrayal was part of a broader narrative pushed by Chinese media, contrasting the U.S. system with China’s governance model.

America at 250

A video from Xinhua, a state news agency, featured a character resembling Uncle Sam blowing out birthday candles shaped like ballistic missiles. These candles then launched and exploded on a map, specifically targeting Iran, which was highlighted as the latest site of U.S. military involvement. The backdrop included countries affected by American interventions such as Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya.

Newsweek attempted to contact the U.S. Embassy in Beijing for comment via email. This media portrayal is part of Beijing’s efforts to advance narratives highlighting U.S. decline, often presented more sharply than official diplomatic statements.

President Donald Trump emphasized American exceptionalism in a speech at Mount Rushmore, asserting that no other nation compares to the U.S. He warned against the threat of communism. Despite these assertions, Xinhua reported political gridlock, societal issues, and divisive foreign policy as indicators of America’s waning power.

American Experiment at Risk

The editorial by Xinhua described the American constitutional system, historically termed the American “experiment,” as facing significant challenges. It pointed to strain on the ability of U.S. institutions to address issues, questioning whether America’s foreign policy aligns with a rapidly changing world and if its leadership is ready for a multipolar global order.

Wu Xinbo, a professor and think tank director at Fudan University, commented on the declining influence of Washington in global affairs during a seminar. China has surpassed the U.S. in merchandise exports and leads in sectors like high-speed rail and electric vehicles, despite ongoing competition in advanced technologies from the U.S.

Hu Xijin, former editor of the Global Times, expressed hope that by America’s 300th anniversary, China will have surpassed the U.S. in national strength and technological achievements.

State media commentary differed from the more restrained reaction from Chinese officials. President Xi Jinping extended congratulations to Trump for the occasion, as confirmed by China’s Foreign Ministry, and ambassador Xie Feng wished Americans a joyful celebration.

Xie highlighted cooperation themes, suggesting that initiatives from Trump and Xi, such as “Make America Great Again” and the “great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation,” could jointly enhance global well-being.