What's happened
Recent articles highlight ongoing geopolitical shifts: US-China tensions, EU-US trade agreements, and regional security concerns in Asia. China’s economic rise faces new challenges as wages increase, while Europe navigates its dependence on US and China. Kenya’s protests reflect broader democratic struggles amid political repression. These developments shape the evolving global landscape today.
What's behind the headline?
The geopolitical landscape of 2025 is marked by a complex interplay of economic, military, and diplomatic shifts.
- US-China relations are increasingly strained, with the US imposing trade restrictions and military build-up near Chinese borders, while China responds with economic reforms that raise wages and reduce its dependence on exports to the US.
- China’s wage growth—from less than $1/hour in 2005 to over $8/hour today—reflects a broader shift towards a more domestically driven economy, which constrains Western firms’ profit margins and their ability to exploit cheap labor.
- Europe’s position remains ambiguous; despite supporting strategic autonomy, the EU’s recent trade agreement with the US, including tariffs and investment commitments, deepens its reliance on US security and economic policies. Experts suggest the EU’s future relations with China will depend on how it defines its own strategic identity.
- Kenya’s protests exemplify a broader global trend of youth-led activism challenging authoritarian regimes. The protests, reminiscent of the 1990s reform movement, highlight the importance of street activism and civic engagement outside formal political channels.
Overall, these developments indicate a world where economic power is shifting, alliances are being tested, and democratic resilience is being demonstrated through grassroots movements. The next phase will likely see intensified competition for influence, with regional protests and diplomatic negotiations shaping the future.
What the papers say
The articles from Al Jazeera and South China Morning Post provide contrasting perspectives on global power dynamics. Al Jazeera’s Jason Hickel emphasizes the structural economic factors underpinning US-China tensions, highlighting China’s wage increases and their impact on global capitalism. He argues that Western capital interests are desperate to restore cheap labor, which is increasingly difficult as China’s wages rise.
Meanwhile, the South China Morning Post’s report on EU-US relations underscores Europe’s strategic dilemma—balancing dependence on the US while trying to assert autonomy. The EU’s recent trade deal, described as the 'biggest ever,' is seen as reinforcing reliance on US economic and security frameworks, despite European rhetoric supporting independence.
Both sources agree that the US is actively shaping global alliances—through trade agreements and diplomatic pressure—yet differ in their focus: Hickel on economic constraints and China’s internal reforms, and the Post on Europe’s geopolitical positioning. The articles collectively reveal a world where economic and diplomatic strategies are intertwined, with regional protests and activism reflecting broader democratic struggles amid these shifts.
How we got here
The articles depict a world where US-China rivalry intensifies, driven by economic and military competition. China’s economic reforms, including rising wages, challenge its role as a low-cost manufacturing hub, impacting global supply chains. Meanwhile, Europe’s strategic autonomy is tested by US trade deals and its dependence on US security. Kenya’s protests reflect longstanding democratic struggles, with youth-led activism challenging authoritarian tendencies and advocating for political reform amid repression.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of China’s wage growth for global manufacturing?
- Can Europe truly achieve strategic autonomy from the US?
- What do Kenya’s protests tell us about youth activism worldwide?
Common question
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How Are US-China Relations Changing in 2025?
In 2025, US-China relations are at a pivotal point, with economic, military, and diplomatic tensions shaping the global landscape. As China’s wages rise and its economic model faces new challenges, the US is actively working to redefine its strategic position. This page explores the latest developments in US-China relations, regional security in Asia, and what these shifts mean for the world today. Curious about how these changes impact global stability? Keep reading for answers to your most pressing questions.
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