China's Leader Xi Jinping believes in a predestined fate - a notion that potentially bodes ill for Western powers

In a significant turn of events, Xi Jinping, the powerful leader of China, has disposed of rivals and term-limit rules, potentially making him ruler for life. This move, announced at a recent Beijing event, has raised concerns among democracies around the world.

Xi's vision for China's future is bold and ambitious. He believes in China's destiny to return to its central role in the world and is working towards a new world order dominated by China. This shift has been met with mixed reactions, with dictators rejoicing at the events in Beijing, while democracies should beware.

One of the potential flashpoints in this new world order is Taiwan, which China considers a renegade province and regularly threatens with military force. The next likely place where Xi could expand China's power project is Taiwan, alongside efforts to increase influence in the South China Sea, the Pacific region, and Africa.

The Western failure to bring enough pressure on Russia to end the conflict in Ukraine has allowed it to metastasize into a larger conflict. China, in response, has been providing more and more open support for Putin's war in Ukraine. This support, coupled with Xi's aggressive stance towards Taiwan, suggests a more assertive China in global affairs.

The Trump administration's willingness to dismantle the current Pax Americana may hasten this new world order. The disarray over Ukraine in the West may also contribute to this shift, as the lack of a unified response could embolden authoritarian regimes.

Xi Jinping's actions against dissent at home have been controversial. His leadership style resembles China's imperial past, with quasi genocidal repression in Xinjiang, a cultural holocaust in Tibet, and brutal suppression of human rights in Hong Kong. These actions have raised questions about China's commitment to democracy, freedom, and the rule of law.

The Beijing jamboree of autocrats this week seems to have tipped things more in favor of authoritarian governments. This event, which was bad news for those preferring a future organized around democracy, freedom, and the rule of law, serves as a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead in the shifting global landscape.

In conclusion, Xi Jinping's rise and the events in Beijing this week have signalled a significant shift towards a potential new world order. As the West grapples with internal divisions and the Trump administration's foreign policy, China is reshaping the world in its image, with potential consequences for democracies and human rights around the globe.