Much western commentary portrays Xi Jinping as a revisionist strongman bent on overturning the global order. A closer reading of Chinese political thought and diplomacy suggests a more complex emphasis on multilateralism, reciprocity and long-term stability.

Annoyed with the west’s failure to understand Chinese policy, Xi Jinping claims that China’s “openness” challenges zero-sum thinking and has benefited the world. His own given name, “Jinping”, welcomes “approaching peace”. Xi places the national self-determination of states within collective security and UN multilateralism. He calls for “building bridges between different great civilisations to mutually learn and mutually reflect one another.”

He endorses a “global community of shared future” featuring “common development, prosperity and security”.

Contrary western commentary, nevertheless, indicts “rising” China and orchestrates Xi’s negative role in overturning the global order. In a rehash of Greg Sheridan’s June commentary on Australia sleepwalking like “Mr. Magoo”, The Australian headlined on 27 May 2026 Australia’s coming war with China.

Endorsing former defence minister, Linda Reynolds, on educating young Australians in the costs of “appeasement”, the Murdoch national paper declares: “Australia is sleepwalking into war with a China that is encircling our continent and preparing to crush our military capabilities….”

Is this informed analysis or warmongering subterfuge? China’s “rise” does not require another country’s “fall”. Reynolds is about as profound as the Hollywood gunslinger who shouts, “This town ain’t big enough for the two........

© Pearls and Irritations