This week’s reading selection put into the spotlight the rapid rise of China in the international landscape and the growing deterioration of the relationship between the two countries. The construction of missile silos, the global challenges posed by the war in Ukraine, and the afterword of the global pandemic have left behind the question of how far China has come and how close we are to witnessing a significant shift in global power dynamics.
Although some of us may think there is a long road to go, Elizabeth Economy’sarticle highlights some signs that China’s rise on the world stage has been evident for quite some time. She discusses that President Xi’s move to reunify the “motherland” under the one-country, two-system governance model has been just one of the several strategic steps taken to assert China’s influence on the international landscape. A prime example of China’s growing influence e has been its ambitious Belt and Road Initiatives, which aims to connect Asia, Europe, and Africa through a vast network of infrastructure projects. Position China as the epicenter of the international system, carrying significant geopolitical implications. Nevertheless, this has not been the only move made by China to position itself in the global landscape. The country’s shift in nuclear strategies has raised questions about the global arms control landscape. This shift has been marked by advancements in nuclear technology and increased tension in nations worldwide pondering the question of China’s long-term intentions.
However, China’s path has not been without its fair share of challenges and sacrifices. As the article highlights, one significant obstacle is the issue of public trust in the Chinese leadership, human rights abuse, and the centric political stance on global issues. These factors cast a shadow on China’s rise and raise questions about its legitimacy as a global leader.
As the world watches China’s ascent, events such as the war in Ukraine and the emergence of alternative forms of “democracy” are shaping the international geopolitical landscape; it will be interesting to see what the future prepares for us.
One reply on “Week 4”
Yaz,
Indeed, it WILL be interesting to see how China evolves. There are all of the factors you mention in your blog post, but there are also some countervailing head-winds, including (a) China’s aging population, (b) evidence of serious internal difficulties in its domestic economy, and (c) push back not only from the U.S. but from India, Australia, Japan, and other countries. President Xi will soon be forced to make important strategic decisions about how to balance trade and security and what to do about a generation of disaffected youth who are facing rising unemployment. Many of them do not like his highly centralized and authoritarian management. –Professor Wallerstein