Consider This: China's Rise: Opportunity or Threat?

China’s influence is growing as the world moves towards a more multipolar order. But what does Beijing want from this changing global landscape, and how does it see its relationship with the US, Donald Trump and countries like Malaysia? On this episode of #ConsiderThis, Melisa Idris speaks with Professor Victor Gao, Vice President of the Center for China and Globalization, who was a keynote speaker at the Penang Peace Dialogue 2026 in Georgetown, Penang. They discuss China’s relationship with the US under Donald Trump, Malaysia’s approach to both powers, and China’s role in the evolving global order. They also examine the growing debate over China’s manufacturing dominance and exports, and the argument that a new “China Shock” could threaten industries and accelerate deindustrialisation elsewhere.