At the start of the World Economic Forum 2026 in Davos, China warned the international community against return to the 'law of the jungle'. Donald Trump might want to make WEF all about himself and America, but the US president might take note of the quiet progress made by China in all areas of competition: trade, technology, warfare and climate. One recurring story in the current world order is the increasing territorial ambitions of both nations, one which assumes American supremacy and exceptionalism, and the other stressing a multipolar world. China’s slowly warming relations with European nations, Canada, India and the Arab world sharply contrast with the renewed conflict-mongering of Trump, from Greenland to Iran and further afield. Trump wants to thrust America into the centre of everything, be it the pursuit of peace in Gaza or the technology-trade rivalries involving semiconductors. But it appears China is smiling as Trump destroys alliances and friendships that took American leaders decades to build. Here is how the rivalry is shaping up.<h2>World Economic Forum: An annual 'do' turns into a crisis meeting</h2>Geopolitical tensions and trade and tariff wars form the backdrop for this year’s WEF, taking place on January 19–23, under the theme "A Spirit of Dialogue" with the aim of fostering cooperation amid global fractures. &nbsp;The WEF’s Global Risks Report 2026 identified geoeconomic - not geopolitical- confrontation as the most significant short-term threat to global stability. This includes the use of sanctions, tariffs, export controls and trade restrictions as instruments of state power. Most of it actually applies to the Trump administration. Cooperative mechanisms are crumbling, and multilateralism is in retreat. China–US rivalries are at the core of this global uncertainty.The WEF's session names are also ominous. One is titled "Is the World at a Breaking Point?", an example of the forum's shift from optimism to panic-mode realism. That's because trade, technology and finance are increasingly being weaponised in a global order where economic tools are central to strategic influence.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/davos-2026-economic-development-trade-minister-of-maldives-mohamed-saeed-speaks-to-wion-1768971956455/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/davos-2026-economic-development-trade-minister-of-maldives-mohamed-saeed-speaks-to-wion-1768971956455/embed</a><h2>Trade, a new frontline pitting America against China</h2>China is working hard to appear as a stable and predictable trade partner, and has had a record $1.2 trillion trade surplus in 2025 as evidence. Vice-Premier He Lifeng highlighted China’s role in defending globalisation, touting the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a tool for global stability and investment. Remember, only a few years ago, there was a lot of pessimism about BRI. US actions, on the other hand, prioritised protectionism and unilateral action under Trump’s so-called "Donroe doctrine".Tariffs, export controls on high-tech items like chips, and trade restrictions are framed as necessary to counter China’s industrial dominance. This approach risks the US being seen as a "bully".Both US allies and emerging powers are now exploring independent or China-aligned strategies. Global trade, which used to be largely immune to geopolitical tensions, is now fragmenting into geopolitical zones. This is leading several companies to adopt the "China +1" supply-chain strategy, hedging by diversifying production to India, South-East Asia, Mexico and Europe. India, Brazil and Gulf states are seeking more autonomy in global relations, but still face pressure from the US in the form of tariffs, sanctions or disincentives, making some of them tilt more towards China.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wef-davos-2026-opens-without-founder-after-whistleblower-flags-financial-and-ethical-misconduct-1768897765147">WEF Davos 2026 opens without founder after whistleblower flags 'financial and ethical misconduct'</a><h2>Technology rivalry to the forefront: AI race, semiconductors</h2>Perhaps the fiercest arena of US–China competition is technology. AI acceleration and industrial innovation are dominating the Davos discussions. While the US has leadership in frontier AI research, proprietary ecosystems and advanced semiconductors, it is also employing export controls on critical chips to stay at the top of the race. But China enjoys advantages in scaling, deployment and industrial ecosystems. It is already leading the world in electric vehicles, &nbsp;renewable energy, robotics, 5G infrastructure and batteries. China has perfected this through decades of state-backed strategic investment, process knowledge and ferocious market competition.Low electricity costs in China, at $0.04–0.08/kWh, enable massive AI computing deployment compared to $0.15/kWh in the US. State-backed industrial policy and alternative chip quests position China to compete effectively despite US export restrictions.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/davos-2026-kerala-pavilion-inaugurated-at-wef-davos-as-global-investors-line-up-1768970543478">Davos 2026: Kerala Pavilion inaugurated at WEF Davos as global investors line up</a><h2>China vs US: A tussle between hegemony and multipolarity</h2>Davos 2026 reflects a broader power struggle over global governance, with China and the US at the two ends of the spectrum. China challenges US dominance in covert, overt or subtle manners, advocating a multipolar world through the Global Development Initiative and leadership in AI and clean energy standards. This is an approach that developing nations, particularly in regions like Africa, appear to embrace. China continues to be one of the key contributors to global GDP growth, more than 22 per cent of the total as per some estimates for 2026.The US, on the other hand, appears to be operating in chaos, controlled or otherwise. Under Trump, it is showing inconsistent diplomacy, reliance on sanctions, and choreographed rhetoric regarding actual conflicts and wars. Under such leadership, globalisation is fragmenting, and companies and nations are navigating these dual blocs or adopting hedging strategies.Disclaimer: The writer's views do not represent those of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer. &nbsp;

Davos 2026 is taking place amid intensifying US–China rivalry across geopolitics, trade and technology. China projects stability and multipolarity in spite of its domestic issues, while Trump’s America disrupts alliances and global cooperation.

At the start of the World Economic Forum 2026 in Davos, China warned the international community against return to the 'law of the jungle'. Donald Trump might want to make WEF all about himself and America, but the US president might take note of the quiet progress made by China in all areas of competition: trade, technology, warfare and climate. One recurring story in the current world order is the increasing territorial ambitions of both nations, one which assumes American supremacy and exceptionalism, and the other stressing a multipolar world. China’s slowly warming relations with European nations, Canada, India and the Arab world sharply contrast with the renewed conflict-mongering of Trump, from Greenland to Iran and further afield. Trump wants to thrust America into the centre of everything, be it the pursuit of peace in Gaza or the technology-trade rivalries involving semiconductors. But it appears China is smiling as Trump destroys alliances and friendships that took American leaders decades to build. Here is how the rivalry is shaping up. World Economic Forum: An annual 'do' turns into a crisis meeting Geopolitical tensions and trade and tariff wars form the backdrop for this year’s WEF, taking place on January 19–23, under the theme "A Spirit of Dialogue" with the aim of fostering cooperation amid global fractures. The WEF’s Global Risks Report 2026 identified geoeconomic - not geopolitical- confrontation as the most significant short-term threat to global stability. This includes the use of sanctions, tariffs, export controls and trade restrictions as instruments of state power. Most of it actually applies to the Trump administration. Cooperative mechanisms are crumbling, and multilateralism is in retreat. China–US rivalries are at the core of this global uncertainty. The WEF's session names are also ominous. One is titled "Is the World at a Breaking Point?", an example of the forum's shift from optimism to panic-mode realism. That's because trade, technology and finance are increasingly being weaponised in a global order where economic tools are central to strategic influence. https://www.wionews.com/videos/davos-2026-economic-development-trade-minister-of-maldives-mohamed-saeed-speaks-to-wion-1768971956455/embed Trade, a new frontline pitting America against China China is working hard to appear as a stable and predictable trade partner, and has had a record $1.2 trillion trade surplus in 2025 as evidence. Vice-Premier He Lifeng highlighted China’s role in defending globalisation, touting the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a tool for global stability and investment. Remember, only a few years ago, there was a lot of pessimism about BRI. US actions, on the other hand, prioritised protectionism and unilateral action under Trump’s so-called "Donroe doctrine". Tariffs, export controls on high-tech items like chips, and trade restrictions are framed as necessary to counter China’s industrial dominance. This approach risks the US being seen as a "bully". Both US allies and emerging powers are now exploring independent or China-aligned strategies. Global trade, which used to be largely immune to geopolitical tensions, is now fragmenting into geopolitical zones. This is leading several companies to adopt the "China +1" supply-chain strategy, hedging by diversifying production to India, South-East Asia, Mexico and Europe. India, Brazil and Gulf states are seeking more autonomy in global relations, but still face pressure from the US in the form of tariffs, sanctions or disincentives, making some of them tilt more towards China. Also read: WEF Davos 2026 opens without founder after whistleblower flags 'financial and ethical misconduct' Technology rivalry to the forefront: AI race, semiconductors Perhaps the fiercest arena of US–China competition is technology. AI acceleration and industrial innovation are dominating the Davos discussions. While the US has leadership in frontier AI research, proprietary ecosystems and advanced semiconductors, it is also employing export controls on critical chips to stay at the top of the race. But China enjoys advantages in scaling, deployment and industrial ecosystems. It is already leading the world in electric vehicles, renewable energy, robotics, 5G infrastructure and batteries. China has perfected this through decades of state-backed strategic investment, process knowledge and ferocious market competition. Low electricity costs in China, at $0.04–0.08/kWh, enable massive AI computing deployment compared to $0.15/kWh in the US. State-backed industrial policy and alternative chip quests position China to compete effectively despite US export restrictions. Also read: Davos 2026: Kerala Pavilion inaugurated at WEF Davos as global investors line up China vs US: A tussle between hegemony and multipolarity Davos 2026 reflects a broader power struggle over global governance, with China and the US at the two ends of the spectrum. China challenges US dominance in covert, overt or subtle manners, advocating a multipolar world through the Global Development Initiative and leadership in AI and clean energy standards. This is an approach that developing nations, particularly in regions like Africa, appear to embrace. China continues to be one of the key contributors to global GDP growth, more than 22 per cent of the total as per some estimates for 2026. The US, on the other hand, appears to be operating in chaos, controlled or otherwise. Under Trump, it is showing inconsistent diplomacy, reliance on sanctions, and choreographed rhetoric regarding actual conflicts and wars. Under such leadership, globalisation is fragmenting, and companies and nations are navigating these dual blocs or adopting hedging strategies. Disclaimer: The writer's views do not represent those of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

Davos 2026 is taking place amid intensifying US–China rivalry across geopolitics, trade and technology. China projects stability and multipolarity in spite of its domestic issues, while Trump’s America disrupts alliances and global cooperation.

Davos 2026 is also about US-China rivalry in geopolitics, trade and tech. And China is quietly winning

US President Donald Trump speaking at an unscheduled news conference at Davos on Wednesday said he "would have loved" to have met climate activist Greta Thunberg during the World Economic Forum(WEF).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/veiled-attacks-and-glares-exchanged-between-trump-and-thunberg-at-wef-275781">Also Read:&nbsp;Veiled attacks and glares exchanged between Trump and Thunberg at WEF</a>

The US president who is set to leave the WEF after the news conference said that some people are ungrateful, referring to Thunberg, and added that the climate activist should start working on other countries.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wef-2020-climate-activist-greta-thunbergs-message-at-davos-forum-275778/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"I would have loved to have seen her," Trump said, adding that other countries who were worst polluters "Greta ought to focus on those places."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-rejects-climate-prophets-of-doom-as-thunberg-warns-davos-275777">Also Read:&nbsp;Trump rejects climate 'prophets of doom' as Thunberg warns Davos</a>

During a keynote address at Davos on Tuesday at&nbsp;the World Economic Forum, the US president had taken a dig at Thunberg saying that "perennial prophets of doom" should be rejected. &nbsp;"They want to see us do badly," the US President said.

Trump claimed "alarmists" had been wrong on previous occasions.

Before Trump's address, Thunberg&nbsp;had said that nothing was being done to fight climate change. "There is a difference between being heard to actually leading to something," she added.

"It will require much more than this. This is just the very beginning," the 17-year-old said. Thunberg was present during Trump's address but looked calm quite&nbsp;different to when Trump had walked into the UN headquarters in September when the Sweedish teenager looked visibly furious.

US President Donald Trump speaking at an unscheduled news conference at Davos on Wednesday said he "would have loved" to have met climate activist Greta Thunberg during the World Economic Forum(WEF).

US President Donald Trump speaking at an unscheduled news conference at Davos on Wednesday said he "would have loved" to have met climate activist Greta Thunberg during the World Economic Forum(WEF). Also Read: Veiled attacks and glares exchanged between Trump and Thunberg at WEF The US president who is set to leave the WEF after the news conference said that some people are ungrateful, referring to Thunberg, and added that the climate activist should start working on other countries. Watch Video: "I would have loved to have seen her," Trump said, adding that other countries who were worst polluters "Greta ought to focus on those places." Also Read: Trump rejects climate 'prophets of doom' as Thunberg warns Davos During a keynote address at Davos on Tuesday at the World Economic Forum, the US president had taken a dig at Thunberg saying that "perennial prophets of doom" should be rejected. "They want to see us do badly," the US President said. Trump claimed "alarmists" had been wrong on previous occasions. Before Trump's address, Thunberg had said that nothing was being done to fight climate change. "There is a difference between being heard to actually leading to something," she added. "It will require much more than this. This is just the very beginning," the 17-year-old said. Thunberg was present during Trump's address but looked calm quite different to when Trump had walked into the UN headquarters in September when the Sweedish teenager looked visibly furious.

Greta Thunberg ought to focus on other countries, says Trump at Davos

US President Donald Trump during a special address at the World Economic Forum(WEF) in Davos said America had regained its stride and rediscovered its spirit.

The US is thriving and flourishing, the US president told the people gathered at the forum, adding,"the environment is very important to me."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/50th-world-economic-forum-at-davos-key-focus-on-climate-change-economic-slowdown-sustainable-growth-275631">Also Read: World Economic Forum - Key focus on climate change, economic slowdown, sustainable growth</a>

"With a booming economy, America is creating jobs," Trump said.

"We are lifting Americans of all races," he asserted while stressing that poverty and unemployment had plummeted in the country.

"Unemployment rate in the US has dipped to a record low," he said.&nbsp;

The president touting the strength of the US economy at the WEF said during his presidency seven million new jobs were created.

"The American dream is much bigger and better now." "The US is not concentrating on putting wealth in a few hands," he said.

"I see tremendous potential for the future," he said.&nbsp;"The US has the cleanest air in the world," the president said.

"The average rate of unemployment for women is the lowest today," he informed, adding,"we are focused on improving the living standards in the US."

"We are building an economy which works for everyone," the US president said.

Trump said tax cuts and reforms in the US was helping to pull people out of poverty. "We&nbsp;have made child care much more affordable," he said.

The US president said his administration was removing "roadblocks to success" while saying that milions of workers in the US were receiving new job training. "The US will join the 1 trillion trees initiative," he said.

The president said that NAFTA was one of the "worst trade deals ever".&nbsp;

The President also warned against listening to "pessimists" and "alarmists" during his speech, "this is the time for optimism," he said&nbsp;while stating that "we will embrace technology, rather than shunning it."

US President Donald Trump during a special address at the World Economic Forum(WEF) in Davos said America had regained its stride and rediscovered its spirit. The US is thriving and flourishing, the US president told the people gathered at the forum, adding,"the environment is very important to me.

US President Donald Trump during a special address at the World Economic Forum(WEF) in Davos said America had regained its stride and rediscovered its spirit. The US is thriving and flourishing, the US president told the people gathered at the forum, adding,"the environment is very important to me." Also Read: World Economic Forum - Key focus on climate change, economic slowdown, sustainable growth "With a booming economy, America is creating jobs," Trump said. "We are lifting Americans of all races," he asserted while stressing that poverty and unemployment had plummeted in the country. "Unemployment rate in the US has dipped to a record low," he said. The president touting the strength of the US economy at the WEF said during his presidency seven million new jobs were created. "The American dream is much bigger and better now." "The US is not concentrating on putting wealth in a few hands," he said. "I see tremendous potential for the future," he said. "The US has the cleanest air in the world," the president said. "The average rate of unemployment for women is the lowest today," he informed, adding,"we are focused on improving the living standards in the US." "We are building an economy which works for everyone," the US president said. Trump said tax cuts and reforms in the US was helping to pull people out of poverty. "We have made child care much more affordable," he said. The US president said his administration was removing "roadblocks to success" while saying that milions of workers in the US were receiving new job training. "The US will join the 1 trillion trees initiative," he said. The president said that NAFTA was one of the "worst trade deals ever". The President also warned against listening to "pessimists" and "alarmists" during his speech, "this is the time for optimism," he said while stating that "we will embrace technology, rather than shunning it."

American dream is much bigger and better now, says Trump at World Economic Forum in Davos

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Davos 2026 is also about US-China rivalry in geopolitics, trade and tech. And China is quietly winning

Greta Thunberg ought to focus on other countries, says Trump at Davos

American dream is much bigger and better now, says Trump at World Economic Forum in Davos