Obama’s message was clear: global leadership requires proactive engagement. He believed that writing the rules of the international system would allow the U.S. to uphold standards that reflect its values, such as fair labor practices, environmental protections, and intellectual property rights. By setting the terms, the U.S. could ensure a level playing field for its workers and businesses.

He warned that if the U.S. chose to step back from this role, China would not hesitate to write the rules instead—rules that might not reflect democratic principles or support open markets. This concern was especially relevant in the context of ongoing negotiations around trade deals like the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), which Obama strongly supported.

Ultimately, Obama’s statement highlighted a broader theme in U.S. foreign policy: leadership through engagement, not isolation. By shaping the global order, the U.S. could not only protect its interests but also promote a vision of international cooperation grounded in fairness and shared prosperity.