The problem is that there isn't anything to replace C, that would be acceptable enough. C has become a quasi protocol, and used in exchanges between languages.

The problem is that there isn't anything to replace C, that would be acceptable enough. C has become a quasi protocol, and used in exchanges between languages. One could argue it's better for newer languages to embrace and excel in interop with C, while providing more advantages, being safer in comparison, or greater ease of use. As is arguably the case with Vlang, Dlang, Nim, etc... If anything, C may still be going strong for another 20 to 30 years.