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Up until the second that the rules come into conflict with US interests. "Rules-based international order" is a propaganda term that Western news outlets repeat like robots. I believe that it was chosen exactly because saying it is so ridiculous in face of reality, that it serves as an ultimate loyalty signal, like "the sky is green".
The US, like evey major power or hegemon, imposes its will, unconcerned with principles and consistency.
I am sure they would exercise power. But I am not sure what the maximum extent of that power would look like.
I am just unconvinced that Chinese dominance would mean a completely different political and cultural system in Europe. I can see many positives (countries I like no longer being bullied by the US), and can imagine outcomes where the Chinese mostly meddle less than the US.
I think those are easier to imagine when Chinese dominance feels distant.
For a country with a much higher level of Chinese influence, consider Myanmar. Is that really preferable to the style of U.S. involvement?
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