As China’s economic boom wanes, President Xi Jinping’s tone increasingly toggles between peace talks and warnings of war. Though Xi has shown an interest in diplomacy, especially with the U.S., his rhetoric is laced with calls for military strength and national defense. Experts suggest that with China’s economy slowing, the Chinese Communist Party is focusing on internal stability, using military might as a tool to bolster nationalist pride and project strength.
Xi’s “dual strategy” poses a dilemma for the U.S. While Washington hopes to de-escalate tensions in the Indo-Pacific, Xi’s simultaneous peace-and-power approach signals a China preparing for confrontation if diplomacy falters. With U.S.-China relations teetering over Taiwan, South China Sea claims, and economic tensions, Xi’s approach leaves the West on high alert, wary of any shift that could end the balance.
China’s pivot from economic prowess to military readiness is a response to its internal economic challenges and signals an increasing reliance on nationalism. For the U.S., Xi’s dual rhetoric demands a calibrated strategy—one that recognizes the importance of dialogue without overlooking the mounting military capabilities China is ready to deploy if pushed. As Xi’s intentions become clear, global leaders are now faced with a pressing question: how to balance diplomacy with a country that speaks peace but keeps its sights firmly set on power.
