There has been no shortage of headlines proclaiming China’s growing clout in a “new world order” in recent months. This speculation resurfaced after the July G-20 summit, at which the United States reconfirmed its withdrawal from the Paris climate accord, and the May 2017 summit of the Belt and Road, China’s $1 trillion global plan for infrastructure projects and trade deals connecting Africa, Asia and Europe. This project aims to span 68 countries, linking China’s people and markets to regions far beyond its borders.