Chinese officials believe the United States is the greatest threat to international peace and stability.

The United States president Joe Biden speaking on protecting
democracy at Union Station in Washington in November 2022.

As tensions rise in Middle East between Israel and Gaza, as well as the ongoing stalemate between Ukraine and Russia, China it seems is accusing the United States of being the main source of the world's chaos. This perspective has been expressed by Chinese officials and on social media platforms, reflecting a significant strain in the US-China relationship.

The Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson, Wu Qian, has been vocal in criticizing the United States' actions, stating that the country is "the fundamental source of chaos in the international order" and "the biggest destroyer of regional peace and stability." This stance is partly in response to a Pentagon report detailing China's growing military capabilities.

The US-China relationship is characterized by a mix of stabilization efforts and ongoing tensions. Despite attempts at dialogue, both sides have yet to establish a cohesive agenda beyond consultations, with longstanding areas of tension such as trade and Taiwan threatening to escalate at any moment.

While the US and China have engaged in diplomatic efforts, the entrenched view in Beijing and among the general Chinese public remains that the United States desires to preserve its "global hegemony", and that this desire to keep the 'status quo' is at odds with China's development and interests. This viewpoint is shared among the Chinese leadership, reflecting a broader skepticism about US intentions.

This situation underscores the complex and often adversarial relationship between the two global powers, with significant implications for international stability and cooperation.