Year in Review: Trump’s ‘G2’ Moment Signals a World Resorting Around Washington and Beijing

[para. 1] In October 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump used the term "G2" on social media to describe an upcoming U.S.-China leaders' meeting, signaling the first time an American administration formally framed the U.S.-China relationship this way. The term "G2" acknowledges both nations as the central poles of international politics, around which much of the world is adjusting amid ongoing rivalry. It marks a period where the U.S. and China, despite competition and tension, are recognized as pivotal forces shaping global recalibration. The use of the term capped a year characterized by tariff disputes, political upheavals, and shifting alliances, indicating a nuanced but significant shift in how the relationship is perceived globally [para. 1].

[para. 2] This adjustment followed a period earlier in the year when U.S.-China relations seemed headed for a severe rupture. Trump’s administration had targeted China with renewed tariffs, and in the spring, both sides escalated their stances to near-hostile levels. However, after a 40-day standoff and subsequent extensions, the conflict de-escalated by late October during a summit in Busan, South Korea. While the competitive and transactional nature of the relationship remains, the risk of immediate escalation has diminished [para. 2].

[para. 3] The pursuit to stabilize national strategies extends beyond just the U.S. and China. In May, Beijing hosted the fourth China–Community of Latin American and Caribbean States forum, while in July, high-level European Union leadership visited China for a leaders' summit. September witnessed prominent meetings, like Indian Prime Minister Modi with Russian President Putin in Tianjin, feeding debates about non-Western major powers’ alignments amid intensifying global competition [para. 3].

[para. 4] Trump's return to the presidency introduced new uncertainties into global and domestic political environments, already strained by slow growth and rising right-wing movements. Key developments in Europe include Belgium’s coalition resulting in Flemish nationalist Bart De Wever as prime minister, and Germany’s center-right election victory with Friedrich Merz as chancellor. U.S. Vice President JD Vance drew attention with controversial remarks at Munich’s Security Conference [para. 4].

[para. 5] Despite fears of a European far-right surge following Trump’s influence, its gains have not been as sweeping as some anticipated. Notably, only Poland’s Karol Nawrocki from the far-right assumed a significant position, while Romania elected a center-left president and the Netherlands' far-right lost power in a re-run [para. 5].

[para. 6] In Asia, South Korea elected moderate president Lee Jae-myung after a dramatic ousting and imprisonment of former right-wing leader Yoon Suk Yeol over a coup attempt, signaling a centrist push amid high division and market instability. Lee's administration faces immediate internal and external constraints [para. 6].

[para. 7] France has experienced pronounced instability, with President Emmanuel Macron cycling through prime ministers, including the resignation and brief reappointment of Sébastien Lecornu, highlighting the rising proximity of the far right to power and the fragility of the French political system [para. 7].

[para. 8] Japan also encountered political turnover, with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba resigning and conservative Sanae Takaichi ascending as LDP leader, moving Japan more assertively into regional diplomacy amid unresolved domestic challenges [para. 8].

[para. 9] In Latin America, conservative and right-wing actors have gained ground: Argentina’s President Javier Milei, backed by Trump, won midterms with a substantial mandate; Chile’s far-right José Antonio Kast won the presidency; and in Honduras, conservative Nasry Asfura secured victory after a tumultuous election cycle bolstered by Trump’s involvement. Peru impeached its president, with José Yeri assuming leadership amid continued volatility [para. 9].

[para. 10] As 2025 ends, while the world remains troubled, the direst forecasts post-Trump’s return have not fully realized. The global stage will soon face further tests with major elections in 2026, including U.S. midterms and polls in Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Myanmar, Bulgaria, and Thailand, signaling another cycle of geopolitical flux and realignment [para. 10].