The Story Will 2026 be the year of China?
Jan 3, 2026
Cindy Yu, a journalist and columnist for The Times, shares her unique insights on China's rising influence. She describes her recent trip, revealing mixed sentiments about the economy and global politics. Key topics include a record $1 trillion trade surplus and the rise of the AI company DeepSeek, which is challenging US tech dominance. Cindy also discusses the cultural impact of RedNote among Western youth, contrasting it with the domestic tightening under Xi's rule and examining China's strategic ambitions for 2026.
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China's Diplomatic Repositioning
- Xi Jinping positioned China as a voice for peace and cooperation on the world stage in 2025.
- That messaging signaled Beijing's intent to claim leadership as America retreated.
On-the-Ground Views From Four Cities
- Cindy Yu spent two weeks in Beijing, Nanjing, Shanghai and Guangzhou and talked to people across society.
- Many reported business was harder but blamed global conditions and US politics rather than the Chinese government.
Unprecedented Trade Surplus
- China recorded a record trade surplus of $1 trillion in 2025, an unprecedented scale for a country.
- That surplus reflects massive export strength but also deep reliance on foreign demand.