China’s rise to global power has indicated threats to the US for various reasons. Although its rise to global status has not been a surprise to the international community, its magnitude has. This weeks readings raises the question; Is China’s rise a threat to the international community? China’s market has surpassed the international market with intents to be accepted as China, and not as a member of the West. Its economic growth can be traced back to the financial crisis in 2008, affecting US and European markets, but not affect China. Under Xi Jinping, China’s economy grew by re-establishing communism and transitioning from export focused economy to domestic consumption. Graham explained Chinese markets exponentially grew 28% larger than the US from 1980 to 2014. In 1980 China’s GDP measured 7%, whereas in 2014 China’s GDP measured 101%.
Although this is great news for the Chinese economy, it threatens Americas current dominating force in Asian-Pacific. With Chinas great rise, it also encourages for China to regain power in its former territories. Xi’s intentions are to regain Hong Kong and Taiwan. Its threats consisted of using its nuclear weapons. Xi has tried to implement intimidating tactics but only managed to have his plans backfire. Approximately more than half of Taiwanese citizens (including abroad) are not in favor of Xi’s power. In fact, Xi’s intimidation tactics have added on allyship including European counties such as Czech Republic, Lithuania, Slovakia, and The US. Currently China has Silos under construction at Yumen and Hami. Approximately 230 of them are being built. Although China does not disclose its accurate number and its intentions. It poses a threat to US to an ongoing arms race.
Chinas intentions are very similar to those of Russia, but seems to have the means and power to execute its plans effectively. Under Trump’s administration, Trump pushed towards the New START policy with the exception for China to be included. China refused to partake in the treaty only if the US were to cut its arsenal significantly. Biden was able to continue to participate in the New START treaty mentioning it was unwise for it to expire since it establishes a treaty with Russia. However, at some point it would be wise to enter in agreement with China.
In conclusion, I’d like to add I have found this week’s readings questioning Americas global status. It is evident we no longer live in a hegemonic world and US as its world leader. Russia and China are continuously challenging US’s power. However, I believe if it was not for US and their allyship, China would be expanding its territory. However, I find it harder to believe China would like to establish world supremacy.
One reply on “Week 4”
Karine,
I like the way you provided a personal opinion and view at the end of your blog post. You are certainly right that the brief era of unquestioned U.S. power has more or less come to an end, and the US has had to adjust to this new reality. But there are head winds that are affecting China as well–e.g., an aging population, declining economic productivity, and slower economic growth. Plus, many of its neighbors are becoming increasingly alarmed about China’s aggressive behavior (in the South China Sea and elsewhere), and they are starting to push back. So it will be necessary for both the US and China to adjust to a new reality. –Professor Wallerstein