Anger and indignation seem to dominate headlines around the world these days. Angry citizens are found in every corner rallying against social injustice and global warming. Angry politicians in the West call for new walls, impervious to the plight of refugees and threatening a new round of trade wars. In stark contrast, China’s new leadership seems to be happy to climb aboard and steady the rocking ship. Take for example Xi Jinping’s confident speech earlier this year at Davos championing the cause of globalisation and measures to combat climate change. How could Western élites not feel reassured that China is on their side when it comes to tackling the challenges that lie ahead in the future? For all their wishful thinking, this may be the wrong approach to make sense of China’s vision for the future.