Chinese State Media Depicts U.S. as Diminishing Power During Independence Celebrations

During the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Chinese state media highlighted a narrative of the United States as a declining power. A video by Xinhua, a state news agency, featured an Uncle Sam figure blowing out candles shaped like ballistic missiles. These missiles then launched onto Iran on a world map, symbolizing recent U.S. military involvement. Other countries affected by U.S. military actions, such as Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya, appeared in the background.

Newsweek contacted the U.S. Embassy in Beijing for a comment on this portrayal. Beijing often uses its state-run media to articulate its perspectives more pointedly than diplomatic channels, painting the U.S., a key geopolitical rival, as increasingly dysfunctional and less effective than the Chinese Communist Party.

U.S. Exceptionalism vs. Perceived Decline

In contrast, U.S. President Donald Trump emphasized American exceptionalism in a speech at Mount Rushmore. He stated, “no one can compare to us,” while warning about communism’s threat. Still, outlets like Xinhua pointed to America’s internal political challenges and divided foreign policy as signs of a fading power.

Challenges for U.S. Governance and Global Leadership

Xinhua editorialized that the American constitutional system—an “experiment” dating to George Washington—faces significant tests. They questioned whether U.S. institutions could resolve challenges, adapt foreign policies to a changing global order, and retain leadership amid an increasingly multipolar world.

Wu Xinbo, a professor at Fudan University, noted Washington’s diminishing role globally. He commented on China’s advancement over the United States in exports, high-speed rail, and electric vehicles, despite ongoing competition in advanced technologies. Hu Xijin, former Global Times editor, expressed on Weibo that China’s national strength should surpass the U.S. by America’s 300th anniversary.

State and Official Commentary

Chinese state media’s narrative contrasted with official remarks. President Xi Jinping extended congratulations to Trump, and China’s ambassador to the U.S., Xie Feng, wished Americans a “joyful celebration.” Xie mentioned that Trump’s “Make America Great Again” call and Xi’s “great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation” could complement each other for global well-being.