I've noticed over the past few weeks that the narrative from the USA is that China is now a superpower.
"Speaking in a radio interview, Pompeo called China’s behavior in stealing intellectual property “inappropriate” and “not consistent with being a superpower or a leader in the world.”"
Reuters
"SINGAPORE — Defense Secretary Jim Mattis tried to lower the temperature on the array of hostilities between Washington and Beijing on Thursday, saying it is up to the militaries of the two competing global superpowers to act as a stabilizing force amid rising political tensions."
New York Times
"The two superpowers have already scaled down several high-level security engagements amid ongoing trade concerns."
CNBC