An international relations expert has claimed that the U.S.-led liberal international order has collapsed, largely due to the United States’ own actions. Li Cheng, founding director of the Center on Contemporary China and the World at the University of Hong Kong, shared his views during a live-streamed debate on CGTN’s “Talking China” on Monday.
“The so-called liberal international order led by the U.S. has already collapsed,” Li stated. He pointed to recent years, especially the past few weeks, where this collapse has become particularly evident, notably in transatlantic relations.
Li cited U.S. President Donald Trump’s “America First” approach and recent harsh criticisms of Europe by his deputy, JD Vance, at last month’s Munich Security Conference. According to Li, these stances have shifted the U.S. view of European countries from allies to problems.
“We are in a very critical moment in history,” Li said, emphasizing the rapid changes, uncertainty, and confusion facing the world today. He noted that discussions about the possible collapse of NATO and transatlantic relations are becoming more common, but stressed, “This is not caused by China.”
Responding to allegations that China seeks to change the international order, Li highlighted China’s support for the United Nations and the UN-led, rules-based international order. “We emphasize the importance of the UN at this critical moment,” he said.
Li also pointed out that China strongly supports economic globalization, which benefits not only China but other countries as well.
Joining the debate, Liu Zhiqin, a senior fellow at the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University of China, echoed Li’s sentiments. “China has never tried to change the global order,” Liu asserted. He added that there is a widespread demand from the international community to address actions of unilateral hegemonism and bullying.
