How Is China Becoming More Powerful?
China is rising rapidly every year as it continues to build its power and progress to become one of the world’s leading superpowers. In recent years, China’s political and economic strength have been growing at impressive rates and its capacities in the areas of technology, innovation, and global influence are significantly expanding. This article explores how China has achieved such success, and how this economic and political power translates to a powerful force in the international arena.
China’s Political and Economic Power
China’s economic and political strength have been developing steadily for the past few decades as the country has become one of the world’s leading economies. According to data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), China is the world’s second-largest economy and its largest manufacturer, accounting for more than 25 percent of global manufacturing output. China’s GDP (gross domestic product) growth rate of over 7 percent has been maintained for the past few years. In addition, the country has the largest foreign exchange reserves at around $3 trillion, while it is investing heavily in its military and defense infrastructure.
The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has been leading this impressive momentum and winning favor with many of its citizens by providing greater political and economic freedom, robust social safety nets and increased living standards – something which has never been seen before in China. Furthermore, the CCP’s iron fist in maintaining unity and social stability, combined with their steady and economic reforms, has enabled it to achieve economic successes and build its current economic power.
Infrastructure Development
Another crucial factor in the growth of Chinese power has been the government’s massive investment in infrastructure. Over the past decade, the infrastructure development has significantly contributed to China’s growth and helped make it one of the most important global players. The massive monetary investments into highly advanced transportation and information networks comprise the country’s technological and industrial improvements, while the construction of new cities and other urban developments have greatly enhanced its international appeal.
In the Chinese government’s 13th 5-year plan (2016-2020), the focus on physical infrastructure and upgraded urban-rural infrastructure was highlighted as essential to arrive at the desired faster, stronger, and greener economic development. The urbanization process in China is one of the biggest issues faced by the country, and the government has been investing in urban infrastructure such as water, electricity, and internet networks to ensure better living conditions.
Chinese Investments in the Global Economy
The Chinese government is also making major investments in the international arena in order to further build its economic power. One of the most notable investments has been the ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This project involves the creation of several interconnected transportation routes and interconnected trade agreements between various countries around the world. It is seen as a strategic aim for China to increase both their political and economic clout, as well as build stronger global partnerships.
The Chinese government has also been making investment domestically in an effort to further strengthen its economic presence. This includes increasing their stock markets, developing small to medium-sized enterprises, and investing in research and development. Chinese investments abroad have also been large, accounting for over $200 billion of foreign direct investments in the US alone.
Technological Development
The advancement of China’s technological capabilities is playing a large part in its increasing power. As of 2019, China occupied twelve spots on the top 100 supercomputers list, compared to the five in the U.S.; this is a testament to the fact that China is catching up in the field of high-performance computing.
China is also pushing ahead with their efforts in the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence (AI). In July 2017, the Chinese government announced a national strategy to develop AI that includes building its AI industry to become a global superpower in the field. In addition, Chinese companies such as Tencent and Alibaba have been investing heavily in AI research and applications, helping to enable the country’s technology sector even more.
Military Might
China’s military might continues to grow, and the country is seen as the world’s second-biggest military power. China is now one of only three countries on the UN Security Council with veto power and has invested heavily in its military technology, resulting in it having the world’s largest standing army, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). The ongoing modernization and expansion of the PLA has been a priority for the current government and has been a key factor in the increasing awareness of China’s world power.
The Chinese military is also expanding its navy with a fleet of aircraft carriers, submarines, and nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missiles. These advances, combined with China’s growing economic power, give it increasing capability to project power abroad and to support its interests overseas.
Global Influence
Another crucial aspect of China’s growing power has been the country’s increasing global influence and international strategic partnerships. Beijing’s recent integration with the BRICs (Brazil, Russia, India, and China) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has enabled it to become a strong leader in geopolitical terms.
China’s influence is also growing through its involvement in several international institutions, such as the UN and G20, and through its growing role in international trade. China has strengthened its ties with global powers such as the US, Japan and the European Union, while it’s One Belt One Road (OBOR) strategy has facilitated collaboration and interdependency with African and other developing nations.
China is becoming more powerful every year by utilizing its strengths in the areas of economic and political power, infrastructure development, investments, technology and military capabilities. These achievements, combined with its growing global influence and strategic partnerships, have made China a formidable superpower and a global leader in many regards.
