CMV: The President of China (Xi Jinping) is now the most powerful person on Earth, not the president of America.

We were living in an American Century. Since World War 2, the President of the United States has been considered the most powerful person in the world. However, I believe that title now belongs to Xi Jinping, and not to Donald Trump (or any US president).

China's economy cannot be understated. It has been the world's largest economy (PPP) for over a decade now. The country is a manufacturing giant, controls massive amounts of global supply chains, and has significant leverage over international trade. Not to mention it has 1.4 billion people to serve as its workforce, consumer base, and anything else the CCP needs.

The US, once the uncontested global leader, is in a state of deep political division, economic struggles, and social unrest. Partisan infighting, government gridlock, and internal strife make it harder for any president—especially Trump—to wield power effectively. The US’s global influence has also been waning as China expands its reach through its growing Belt and Road Empire.

The most significant factor is the difference in governance. The US president operates within a democratic system that imposes limits on power—courts, Congress, elections, media scrutiny, and public opinion all act as constraints. Meanwhile, Xi Jinping is an authoritarian leader who has effectively consolidated power, removed term limits, cracked down on dissent, and expanded surveillance and social control. In other words, he can dictate policies with little resistance, while a US president is constantly facing checks and opposition (despite what Trump and DOGE are trying).

China is making strategic moves to replace the US as the dominant global force. It is investing in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia, gaining influence in regions the US has neglected. It is also developing economic alliances that reduce reliance on the dollar and expanding military capabilities, particularly in the South China Sea.

Putin might have been sabotaging America, but China is the real winner of America's repeated own goals. The USA still has massive soft power, but who knows how much longer that will last considering divisions and the current administration. The world order is shifting, and it’s time to acknowledge that the most powerful person on Earth might no longer be sitting in the White House.

I don't even like China, and have 0 plans to visit it, but facts are facts. Unless you can show me otherwise. CMV.