Let's remember that we are an important regional power, not a global one.
Note the way that China is described as an emerging "regional power".
For now, Beijing is more of a regional power than a global threat.
That speech was seen as a challenge to the rising regional power of China.
Yugoslavia was once a regional industrial power and economic success.
Now it is up to the Europeans to respond as a regional power should.
Thus, around 1715, the Cherokee emerged as a major regional power.
In the 9th century Gao was already an important regional power.
European influence gradually brought an end to this regional power.
Beijing wants to be taken seriously as a regional and world power.