
Sep 1, 2026
✦The New York Times
China or the U.S.? Two Meetings Offer Competing Showcases of Global Power.
Xi Jinping met with leaders of Russia and Iran in Bishkek this week to showcase China’s growing global influence. Meanwhile, G20 officials in Asheville, North Carolina, faced fractures over U.S. policies. Ryan Hass said, "It builds a narrative around China gaining momentum in building support for playing a more central role."