Reliefify TradersIt’s impossible to think about the global political landscape today without considering China. From its meteoric rise as an economic superpower to its distinct brand of authoritarianism, the sleeping giant has awoken with a vengeance.
But what, actually, has been China’s influence on international politics? There are the obvious ones, like its growing military presence in the South China Sea and its Belt and Road Initiative. But there are also more insidious, omnipresent changes that are beginning to reorder the world.
In this piece, we attempt to unpack the ways in which a rising China has reshaped and continues to reshape the global political landscape. We will examine the seen and unseen forces at work, as we glance ahead to the potential future implications of China’s increasing reach. Let’s begin!
A Brief History of Chinese Politics & Relationships
Political ties between China and the rest of the world have also been shaky through history. For centuries, China remained somewhat isolated, but in the mid-1800s began to open its borders to other nations. China has experienced drastic changes since then, with numerous nations having a direct or indirect impact on its politics.
Chinese dynastic rule was replaced with a republican government in the early 20th century, and civil war soon ensued. This resulted in Chinese isolationism and foreign relations decline. This isolationism began to subside in 1971 as China joined the United Nations, forming diplomatic relationships with most other countries globally. This soon translated into higher foreign investment and Chinese economic growth.
This economic shift of power has also had far-reaching effects on world politics. Over the past ten years alone, the economy of China has grown unbelievably and its reach has spread wider than it ever has before. Because of this, what was historically a relatively unimportant player at the global political level is now emerging as an increasingly influential power with far-reaching implications for all of us globally.
China’s Rising International Trade & Investment
In the last three decades, China has used its enormous economic growth to establish itself as an economic superpower in the world. This is reflected in its rising foreign trade and investment, which is now a key source of international economic growth and stability.
China has become the globe’s biggest exporter, representing over 13.2% of all global exports in 2018. China imports equally huge quantities of raw materials and consumer products from the world over, spending $2.1 trillion on imports in 2018 alone.
In addition, China is heavily investing in foreign corporations and markets, building strategic alliances which can provide it with unprecedented political clout. It has focused its investments in East Asia and Africa, but they have started to show up elsewhere, too. In fact, Chinese firms have made high-profile purchases in the United States and Europe which have raised eyebrows globally.
The sudden growth in China’s foreign trade and investment has rendered it an increasingly dominant influence in international politics one that cannot be dismissed by governments or traders alike.
New Roles for China in Global Institutions
You might be surprised to learn how much of an effect a rising China has had on global politics. As its economy has grown, so too has its role in global institutions like the United Nations something that was unimaginable even just a few decades ago.
New Member in Major International Organizations
China has maintained a position among the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council since 1971 and is currently one of the four most influential members of the Group of Twenty (G20). This implies that they can now contribute towards solving global problems such as pandemics, climate change, human rights abuse and terrorism.
Growing Global Influence
From defense technology to technological advancements, international development aid, China is investing more and more in nations across the globe and that investment is reaping returns in the form of influence. Whether it is done through hard power such as military strength or soft power such as the provision of aid, other nations are experiencing a greater presence from China’s increasing geopolitical strength.
Bilateral Diplomacy
China’s increased prowess also has more diplomatic influence when it deals with bilateral ties with other nations. It can utilize its increased power to influence negotiations with other nations on trade agreements, regional security policy and even cultural exchange schemes. It’s obvious that a rising China is leaving its mark on the world scene and there’s no doubt about it having an increasingly powerful impact on global politics in years to come.
The Belt and Road Initiative’s Influence
You might have heard of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (or “New Silk Road,” as it is sometimes termed) and how it is influencing international politics.
The Belt and Road Initiative is China’s ambitious proposal to establish trade and infrastructure networks among more than 60 nations in Asia, Europe, Africa and Latin America, through land-based trade routes (the ‘Belt’) as well as sea-based routes (the ‘Road’). It is estimated to cost hundreds of billions of dollars.
The scale of the project’s ambition combined with the amounts of money put into the investments has deepened its impact on world politics in the following way:
It has allowed China to extend its soft power, investing in infrastructure projects in other countries and thus making those countries more likely to favor Chinese interests.
This type of investment has been appealing to most of the developing nations of Africa, South America, and parts of Asia that do not have access to much investment from the West.
The increased influence of Chinese capital is constantly destabilizing the international political alignments, such as NATO, because more countries are becoming less dependent on the US for their economic resources or military support.
Historically, American foreign policy was founded upon economic power by controlling foreign currencies but nowadays Beijing is countering that hegemony with its own currency stabilization strategies.
In short, there’s little doubt that China’s Belt and Road Initiative is making a very wide ranging effect in international politics generating new geopolitical blocks and diminishing the old ones formed over decades of US led interventionism.
China’s Increasing Military Presence Overseas
Another thing you may not know is the way China’s expanding military presence overseas has reshaped international politics. With mounting investment in naval ships, aircraft carriers, and other military equipment, China’s military capabilities are expanding.
So what effect has this had on geopolitics?
Regional Disputes
China’s expanded military presence has had a direct impact on regional conflicts in locations such as the South China Sea and the 2020 India-China border conflicts. China has asserted that it has “indisputable sovereignty over islands in South China Sea” and their display of force serves to strengthen their stance in these high-stakes conflicts.
Increasing Fears of Confrontation
The US views Chinese progress as a strategic threat to the area, especially regarding trade routes and country-to-country alliances. And this is what generates a new degree of tension that can spill over into outright confrontation if not handled properly by both parties.
Increased Arms Race
In light of Chinese expansion, the rest of the world has increased its own military budgets and invested heavily in the newer technology ranging from laser missiles to anti-stealth capabilities as it tries to keep pace with its neighbor. The arms race just pours fuel on an already hot geopolitical fire.
Assessing China’s Challenge to the Western Order
It is evident that an ascendant China has reshaped international politics, and its challenge to the Western system alarms most. But what exactly does this mean? How are global politics going to be different with the influence of China?
An Alternative Model
One perspective is that China provides an alternative model for the world. In contrast to Western countries, China will invest in lots of countries and sectors that are too risky for orthodox investors, which enables it to extend its influence by granting foreign aid and lending for infrastructure projects. And because these projects are primarily in emerging economies, the developing nations get the benefit of investment with real impacts such as employment opportunities and economic growth.
Domination or Cooperation?
The big question in the world today is whether China will cooperate with the world community, or become more domineering as it gains power. Some look to its authoritarian leadership as the reason they believe cooperation won’t be on the agenda while others argue that China would be well to work with the West to develop more peaceful solutions.
The reality is that nobody has a clue how it will turn out, but one thing is certain: an ascendant China has reshaped international politics and we can look forward to sea changes in the years to come. Whether those changes will eventually bring peace or war is unknown but one thing is sure: we’re all interested in seeing to it that those changes are made responsibly and in a manner beneficial to all concerned.
Conclusion
As the world has been observing China’s rapid ascendance, Beijing has been quietly designing plans to outsmart the West. President Xi Jinping and his administration are using military and economic power to gain control and influence, and have their sights on becoming the next world superpower. China has already progressed a long way in attaining its global ambitions, and has transformed international politics in the bargain.
China’s rise is an indication of the center of global power moving from the West to the East, and world politics cannot help but be different. As China insists on asserting its power and influence, the consequences for world politics and the world order may be vast. It is important that the international community pays attention to China’s aspirations and moves, in order to prepare itself for what is in store.
