Earlier this week, Chinese Communist Xi Jinping hosted the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting in Beijing, a veritable who's who of totalitarian leaders that seemed aimed at presenting a counter to the U.S. alliances.
"Xi himself boasted about a so-called Cold War mentality, and he made a direct reference to – quote – 'bullying states,' which, of course, was a veiled swipe at the United States," reports Bob Maginnis, president of Maginnis Strategies, LLC. "Then they proposed the creation of a SCO development bank, providing an alternative to Western international organizations."
While China is seen as a challenge to U.S. cybersecurity, the economy, diplomacy, and geopolitical influence, both countries have much to lose from open confrontation. Cooperation between them is also crucial to addressing global challenges like nuclear non-proliferation.
President Trump is reportedly not concerned about the new alliance that is forming, reminding Xi Jinping that "many Americans died in China's quest for victory and glory," knowing he has the "strong hand" in talks with Vladimir Putin, and pointing out that India has much to lose in an economic standoff with the U.S.
Maginnis, however, believes this meeting points to a gathering storm.
"I've been warning about this for about a decade now," he notes. "We need to recognize that the world is being reshaped, and it's not in our favor."
He says the U.S. is in a serious global challenge, and "it's time to wake up."
