The US and China are as wary of each other as they've ever been. But the Chinese think they are on the rise, while America is declining.

On this episode of GZERO World, Ian Bremmer talks to billionaire Ray Dalio, head of the world's largest hedge fund, who thinks rising US debt, a widening wealth gap among Americans, and the meteoric rise of China all play into Beijing's plans to overtake the US as a global superpower.

For instance, Dalio believes that too much national and household debt — combined with rising inflation — is a ticking time bomb that'll surely hurt the US dollar, which in the near future might lose its status as the global reserve status to the Chinese yuan.

And then there's dysfunctional US politics, which for Dalio have a lot to do with rising inequality — caused in part by too much cheap money in the hands of those who already have a lot of it.

Does this mean investors should bet on China over the US? America has a better system, he says, but the Chinese have become a much better competitor in many areas.

Also, what's up with crypto these days?

More For You

An army soldier stands guard at a post at the Friendship Gate, following exchanges of fire between Pakistan and Afghanistan forces, at the border crossing between the two countries in Chaman, Pakistan February 27, 2026. Picture taken with a mobile phone.
REUTERS/Abdul Khaliq Achakzai

In a 30-minute call on Thursday, President Donald Trump reportedly told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky he wants to end the war with Russia as soon as possible — aiming for a deal by summer, but ideally within weeks.

Former British ambassador to the U.S. Peter Mandelson leaves his residence after he was released following his arrest by London police on Monday on suspicion of misconduct in public office, following the release of U.S. Justice Department files linked to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, in London, Britain, February 26, 2026.

REUTERS/Toby Melville

The ghost of Jeffrey Epstein continues to haunt the world.