Harri Tiido: China's True Aim is International Hegemony

Estonian diplomat and analyst Harri Tiido examines China's actual geopolitical ambitions in his latest broadcast. Despite Beijing's official statements that it does not seek hegemony, China's actions point to a desire to control international norms and algorithms.

Estonian renowned diplomat and geopolitics commentator Harri Tiido has dedicated the latest episode of his podcast series "Harri Tiido's Background Stories" to China's international role and actual strategic objectives.

In Tiido's assessment, Beijing's official assurances about renouncing hegemony should be viewed with critical eyes. If one analyses China's actual behaviour on the international stage, rather than merely its public statements, a very different picture emerges — a state that seeks a leading role by shaping international norms and digital algorithms.

This so-called moral realism means that China presents itself as a responsible participant in global order while simultaneously working systematically to shape the international system according to its interests. Beijing invests significantly in various international organisations and standards bodies to influence the rule-making process.

Harri Tiido's podcast series regularly examines the underlying forces and mechanisms of world politics, offering Estonian listeners an analytical perspective on international relations. The China question has become increasingly important in European security discussions as well, since Beijing's relations with Moscow have raised questions among Western countries.