I don’t know why it escapes attention, but China has the power to regularly bully their neighbors, have pretty much annexed territory, their ships raid protected regions for fish, they have massive diplomatic programs and trillions they spend on funding it - none of which has any challengers in the diplomatic space.

Do note they also have their own space stations.

In essence China has learnt from the western lessons and converted the parts that work for it.

I don’t understand why HN is unwilling to countenance this, but let me put it this way - Can America afford to antagonize China ?

As for the Japan comparison - Japan is tiny compared to China. Chinese surplus production destroys industries in other nations.

Not to mention it has an actual army and navy which is constantly being upgraded.

Something which it uses to enforce its geo political will and aims.

In contrast - the backbone of American international ability, it’s state department, is unstaffed and seen as the enemy by an administration which thinks that only MBAs can do a job effectively, while everyone else working in the govt must be a leech of resources.

Not to mention how many bizarre steps the govt has taken to ensure people look for more stable patrons than the current administration.

China has monstrous momentum.

edit: I would ideally like a solid and non-wonkish rebuttal of China's ascendance.

For example people can highlight debt/finance issues and over capacity in China - and then address how China won't be able to solve it by just exporting to everyone and everywhere.