China’s moment

President Xi Jinping of China has found a way to portray himself as the new leader of the world. This is what happens when America retreats. United States president-elect Donald Trump has spent the last few days taking shots at the European Union, Nato, globalisation, free trade, and American credibility. That gave Xi an opening.

In his speech at the Economic Forum in Davos, the Chinese president tried to pose as the champion of international liberalism and globalisation. It’s a bit rich, but it’s no longer entirely unbelievable. Xi made no specific commitments to further the cause of economic liberalism, except to say that China would resist any temptation to engage in competitive devaluation of its currency. Instead, he pronounced such edifying words as ‘‘Those who push for protectionism are shutting themselves inside in a dark room. They have escaped the rain and clouds outside, but also missed the light and air.’’ And while Trump has said that he is not ‘‘a big believer in man-made climate change’’, Xi spoke of the vital importance of taking action on climate change.

Trump’s rhetoric is pushing countries, including Canada, to consider looking beyond Washington. That includes opening their ears and arms to Xi, leader of the world’s second superpower. America’s moment of self-inflicted crisis could be China’s opportunity.