From The Times and the Sunday Times, this is The Story. I'm Manvine Rana.

A few months ago, a presidential address to a crowd of thousands made headlines around the world

as it delivered a rare message of peace and cooperation.

History warns us, human beings, human, human society

warns us that humanity

rises and falls together,

said the President.

Only when all countries and nations

treat each other as equals, coexist in peace and support each other,

can we uphold common security, eradicate the root cause of war, and prevent the recurrence of historical tragedies.

For me, it was one of the most significant moments of 2025.

It was an address that we would have expected to hear from the President of the United States of America,

the leader of the free world.

But instead, these were the words of China's president, Xi Jinping.

Throughout 2025, as America retreated from providing aid and leadership around the world,

China seemed only too keen to step up and fill the void.

Already getting reports of China offering some places like,

you know what, you had USA funding, we will come and help.

A decade after China put forward its green development vision,

its technology is increasingly shaping how that transition happens,

not just at home, but across Latin America.

The West is no longer the unrivaled center for medical innovation.

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