Eye on China, Part I
China is the center of the new global economy which must be recognized and understood to navigate a changing, chaotic world.
Sound governance in China by the Communist Party of China (CPC) has resulted in a domestic and international policy which has brought prosperity, progress and unified vision to its large, homogeneous population. With its impressive growth rate, massive trade volume, social cohesion, and increasing influence in international affairs, China's economic—and cultural—rise has been nothing short of remarkable. It is the model for developing and developed nations.
China has become an example of what works, and what is necessary for a modern nation and society, and its economic development has far-reaching implications for other countries and the world as a whole.
Why China's Economic Development Matters
China's economic rise has replaced the old order and ideas of soft-imperialism and exploitation of cheap workers abroad. The outsourcing of industry from the West has handed China the greatest opportunity of the last century, allowing it to develop and industrialize at a rapid pace.
China has lifted millions of people out of poverty and improved the standard of living for many Chinese citizens, with future projections continuing this trend. It has built a robust, modern, and unmatched system of infrastructure which provides a quality of life that rivals most nations. It has created new opportunities for international trade and investment, benefiting businesses and consumers around the world while forming alliances based on mutual strategic and economic advancement. It has brought about significant changes in global power relations, with China challenging the dominance of the United States and other Western powers.
Every year, China produces more engineers than most countries combined. It advances its technology, increases its production capacity, and improves the quality of life for the average citizen. It invests heavily in its people, focusing on education, health, and social order, producing not only leaders, but individuals working together for the mutual benefit of the Chinese civilization.
Together, this results in a single people with a single vision, largely self-sufficient, and backed with the industrial might to build the future they want in a world which is at war with itself. As other countries squander themselves, fall to corruption, or plan wars to destroy their rivals or mask their failing economies, China advances, and will become the shining beacon of a new, global order.
The Chinese-centric Future
China's influence continues to grow, and some experts predict that we may be headed towards a "Chinese-centric future." This future would be characterized by a shift in economic power towards China, with other countries aligning themselves with China's economic and political interests as opposed to Western ideals, or regional leaders.
This could include greater investment in Chinese infrastructure domestically and internationally, increased trade with China, and closer political cooperation with the Chinese government. China is a country of cooperation, and invests heavily in the future. Such alliances are likely to bring the benefits of China to other regions of the globe, through join-infrastructure development, or efficiency improvements to industry. The extension of China’s high-speed rail network to neighboring countries has paved the way for similar projects that will catapult local economies and provide mutual growth.
Other scientific projects, such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, or the planned Chinese Lunar base, will result in many breakthroughs and technological leaps. The rapid development of science has been a core aspect of improving the quality of life for the Chinese people, and looks to continue as education rates improve, and the population continues to shift from rural, agrarian life to urban living.
While some may view this as a threat to the established global order, others see it as an opportunity for greater economic prosperity and cooperation. It is said, a rising tide lifts all boats. And more importantly, the shift in global focus to China in no way diminishes from the wealth and life of those in other countries. To benefit, we must understand the economic rise of China, the pros and cons of aligning with a Chinese-centric future, and strategies for maximizing prosperity in this new economic landscape. The people who see the world for what it is will be poised to sieze the world for what it will become, and help guide everyone to a brighter tomorrow.
The Roots of China's Economic Success
China's economic success is not a mistake or coincidence. It can be attributed to several key factors, such as world policy, its people, infrastructure, market conditions, and global economics.
The Chinese government's policies have been instrumental in promoting economic growth. China's leaders have implemented a range of measures, such as tax incentives, subsidies, and investment in infrastructure, to support businesses and stimulate the economy. It has been a forward-thinking approach that looks decades in advance, and has largely proven accurate and beneficial to the people. It is also strongly against corruption, and regular efforts have resulted in the reduction of criminal activity and bribery, allowing for China to maximize its potential without wastage.
But the Chinese policy has been helped by that of foreign governments. The Western idea of outsourcing industry and shifting focus to a service-based economy has, in the long run, proven to be a mistake. Although it seems obvious in retrospect, and was widely criticized, government and industry leaders sold out the industrial capacity of the West, and allowed China to take on the responsibility of providing manufacturing for the world.
China's labor force has also played a significant role in its economic development. With a population of over 1.4 billion people, China has a vast pool of labor which have proven orderly, competent, and capable, all characteristics which cannot be understated. The Chinese labor force is known for being hardworking and diligent, which has helped to boost productivity in comparison to other large, cheap work forces.
The Chinese people are also largely unified by blood and culture, resulting in an orderly society which limits the regressive nature of the worst offenders. Where some countries are brought down to the lowest common denominator, China continues to raise the bar, resulting in strong communities, pleasant living spaces, and a shared vision which guides people toward a future that benefits them all.
China's infrastructure has been a critical factor in its economic success, as well, perhaps even the core to its growth. The Chinese government has invested heavily in infrastructure projects, such as highways, railways, and airports, which have facilitated the movement of goods and people across the country. This has helped to reduce transportation costs and increase efficiency in the economy.
But infrastructure is not limited to transportation. The development of Chinese cities has been phenomenal. Many of the leading cities in the world are Chinese, and many tier four and tier five cities are more modern, advanced, and aesthetic than those of other countries. The construction of public spaces such as parks have created places for families, which universities, schools, museums provide the very best places for learning.
China's market conditions have been another factor favorable to economic growth. The country has a large domestic market, which has provided a stable source of demand for businesses. Any over-production of export goods has been eagerly absorbed by the domestic population, often feeding back into productivity to help produce more. China's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001 opened up new opportunities for trade and investment, which further fueled economic growth.
But it is only recent events which have solidified China’s market. Turmoil around the globe has caused many countries to solidify their strategic and economic bonds with China. Russia, in their conflict, has increased trade significantly, providing many opportunities to secure necessary resources, as well as invest for future returns.
Other shifts in global power, seen through the new applications to BRICS, show the Middle East and key global partners accepting China’s leadership. The accessibility of resources, and openness of markets, will allow China to grow and produce for the benefit of their domestic population, and international alliances.
However, China's economic development has not been without its challenges and obstacles. Income inequality, for instance, remains a significant issue in the country, even as it makes significant strides. Environmental degradation is also a growing concern, with air pollution and water pollution posing significant health risks to citizens. Though these issues are recognized, and great efforts to reduce pollution, and rehabilitate regions of the environment are underway, the fullness of their success will take nearly a decade to achieve. Additionally, political tensions with other countries, particularly the United States, have created uncertainties for businesses and investors.
The Benefits of Aligning with a Chinese-centric Future
Although some may view the rise of China as a threat, there are several reasons why it is beneficial for other countries to align with a Chinese-centric future.
China's growing economy presents significant economic opportunities for other countries. By aligning with China, countries can gain access to a large and growing market, which can help to boost their own economic growth. China is the Big Brother to developing nations, and the Oldest Son to developed nations. It is there to do the hard work and heavy lifting, and has proven capable, diligent, and inspiring.
Aligning with China can also facilitate greater global cooperation. China has already demonstrated its willingness to cooperate with other countries. The Belt and Road Initiative and the China-Africa cooperation are models of international mutualism. These initiatives involve significant investment in infrastructure and other projects, which can benefit both China and its partner countries.
China has also remained a peaceful country in comparison to most other great nations. Its focus on domestic affairs limit an expansionist policy, while its economic strength allows it to forge friendships without conflict. China prefers to build together, rather than tear down rivals, and this is the mindset which will help shape the next century.
Closer ties with China can also help to promote cultural exchange and understanding. China has a rich culture and history that can be shared with other countries, and greater cultural exchange can help to build trust and mutual understanding between nations.
Many fail to grasp the actual improvements which have revolutionized life in China. Old ideas of ghost cities, dirt, and desperation are promoted through Western propaganda, while even content showing the truth of modern life is often times removed from social media platforms. The reality of China is one of general wealth and availability. The local purchasing power is nearly six times that of the United States, even while their people adapt to greater level of affluence and possibility.
Some may have concerns about aligning with China. For instance, there are concerns about human rights in China, various freedoms, or acceptance. Additionally, there are concerns about intellectual property theft and unfair trade practices. Others fear the geopolitical risks associated with aligning with China, particularly given the tensions between China and the United States. They are often repeated, magnified, and promoted as issues greater than anything else, in any other country. But any cursory look reveals them as overstated, and often overshadowed by the West.
Despite these concerns, many argue that the benefits of aligning with a Chinese-centric future outweigh the risks. Ultimately, it is not something an article can prove to an individual reader. It is something that has to be studied at length for the individual to arrive at their own opinion.
