Chinese State Media Portrays US as Empire in Decline Under Trump

Chinese state media and analysts have increasingly described the United States as an empire in decline during President Trump’s second term, according to a New York Times report published May 12, 2026. The characterization marks a shift from earlier Chinese views that mixed admiration for American innovation and military strength with rivalry.

Beijing now sees Washington as less capable of sustaining its global commitments, the Times reported, citing Chinese government and academic circles.

The perception has shaped Chinese strategic thinking and prompted more assertive policy moves in trade, technology and regional influence. Chinese leaders have pressed advantages where they see American inconsistency, interpreting sharp swings between confrontation and deal-making as evidence of disarray.

Tariffs have remained elevated and technology export controls tightened in some areas, yet diplomatic channels have stayed open.

A Hudson Institute analysis published the same day offered a different assessment. Senior fellow Michael Sobolik wrote that Washington retains important cards in its competition with Beijing despite Chinese narratives of decline. Sobolik pointed to Trump’s willingness to confront China directly on trade and security issues.

The analysis highlighted continued U.S. advantages in semiconductors, energy exports and alliance relationships that China cannot easily replicate.

Chinese perceptions of American weakness emerged gradually but intensified after Trump’s return to the White House in January 2025. Where previous American administrations were viewed as formidable even when adversarial, the current one is increasingly dismissed as chaotic and self-limiting, according to the Times account drawn from Chinese internal policy documents and state media commentary.