For years, Americans have been asking when and if China will surpass the U.S. in influence around the world. Now, as this country fumbles the handling of the pandemic, the question has been raised: maybe the time is now?

Diane’s guest, journalist Michael Schuman, says not so fast. He claims America still reigns superior in many key economic areas.

Schuman also says it’s important to remember that China’s desire for global power is not a modern day development. In fact, it goes back centuries, and it’s a history all of us here in the U.S. should better understand.

Michael Schuman’s new book is “Superpower Interrupted: The Chinese History of the World.”

Diane spoke to him Monday morning. They connected just before the Chinese government signed a new law giving Beijing sweeping new powers over Hong Kong.