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China vs. The West: The Battle for Global Influence

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Over the past few decades, China has rapidly emerged as a global superpower, with significant influence across the world. Its involvement in the global economy, development projects, and diplomacy has led many to wonder whether China is genuinely driving global development or if its role is overstated or even manipulated through propaganda. With the rise of initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its significant involvement in global trade, China’s position on the global stage is undeniable. However, critical questions arise about the true nature of China’s contributions and whether its growing influence is beneficial or harmful.

Is China’s Global Role a Reality or Just Propaganda?

To answer this question, we must examine China’s contributions to global development with a critical lens. China’s role in global development is both real and substantial. As of 2023, China was the world’s second-largest economy, contributing an average of 30% to global economic growth from 2013 to 2023. According to the World Bank, China’s GDP stood at over $18 trillion, accounting for nearly 18% of global GDP. China’s economic influence is further demonstrated by its dominance in manufacturing, where it controls approximately 30% of global manufacturing output, surpassing the U.S. in 2010.

Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): A Tool for Development or Influence?

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), launched in 2013, is perhaps the most visible symbol of China’s global development ambitions. This initiative involves infrastructure projects in over 140 countries and represents an investment of over $1 trillion. The BRI aims to improve trade routes and connectivity between China and countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America. By the end of 2023, China’s investments in BRI countries had exceeded $300 billion. These projects include railways, ports, highways, and energy infrastructure, making China a key player in global development.

However, critics argue that the BRI is not solely about development but also about expanding China’s geopolitical influence. Some accuse China of engaging in “debt-trap diplomacy,” where developing countries become overly reliant on Chinese loans, leading to long-term economic and political dependence. Sri Lanka is often cited as a key example, where the country was forced to lease the Hambantota Port to China for 99 years after it struggled to repay the loans. Other countries, such as  Zambia, and Djibouti, are also facing mounting debt from Chinese loans, sparking concerns about the long-term sustainability of these projects.

China’s Economic Role in the Global South

China’s engagement in the Global South (developing nations in Asia, Africa, and Latin America) is another significant aspect of its global development efforts. China has established itself as a crucial economic partner for many developing countries by providing much-needed infrastructure, investments, and technical expertise. As of 2023, China was the largest trading partner for more than 120 countries. The country has invested in everything from railroads in Kenya to digital infrastructure in Ethiopia.

One of China’s key development strategies is the Global Development Initiative (GDI), aimed at supporting the development and revitalization of countries in the Global South. The GDI focuses on infrastructure, poverty alleviation, and green energy, areas where developing countries often struggle to secure investment from traditional Western financial institutions.

China’s Diplomatic and Military Engagements

China’s growing influence is not confined to economics alone. It has also become a major player in global diplomacy and military affairs. China’s mediation of conflicts, such as the reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran, has elevated its status as a global peace broker. Furthermore, China has become the second-largest contributor to UN peacekeeping operations and one of the largest providers of troops among the permanent members of the UN Security Council.

Despite its focus on peaceful development, China has made significant military advancements. The country has the world’s largest military, with a defense budget of $225 billion in 2023, second only to the U.S. This military strength is crucial in regional power dynamics, especially in the South China Sea, where China has been involved in territorial disputes with several Southeast Asian nations.

China’s Growing Role: A Danger Bell for Which Countries?

China’s rapid rise on the global stage has triggered concerns among many countries, particularly in the West and in Asia. The following countries are most affected by China’s growing role:

  1. The United States: As the world’s leading superpower, the U.S. views China’s rise as a direct challenge to its global hegemony. China’s economic dominance, particularly in critical sectors like technology and manufacturing, poses a threat to U.S. industries. The rivalry between the two nations has intensified, with the U.S. imposing tariffs on Chinese goods and restricting technology exports to China. As of 2023, the U.S. had imposed over 1,000 trade and investment restrictions on Chinese companies, particularly in high-tech industries such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and telecommunications.
  2. India: Geopolitically, India is wary of China’s growing influence in South Asia. China’s investments in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal are viewed by New Delhi as attempts to encircle India and undermine its regional influence.
  3. Japan and South Korea: Both nations are closely aligned with the U.S. and see China’s growing military power and territorial assertiveness in the East China Sea and South China Sea as potential threats to regional stability. Japan, in particular, has increased its defense spending in response to China’s military build-up.
  4. Southeast Asian Nations: Countries like Vietnam, The Philippines, and Indonesia are concerned about China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea. While these nations benefit economically from trade with China, they are wary of becoming too dependent on their powerful neighbor.

Can China Be Pushed Back by U.S. and European Sanctions?

The U.S. and European nations have used sanctions as a tool to contain China’s global rise. For instance, the U.S.-China trade war, initiated in 2018, saw tariffs imposed on hundreds of billions of dollars worth of goods, leading to a significant reduction in bilateral trade. In addition to tariffs, Western nations have placed export controls on advanced technologies, such as semiconductors, which are essential for China’s tech sector.

Despite these efforts, China has shown resilience, adopting a strategy known as “dual circulation,” which focuses on boosting domestic consumption while maintaining its position in global trade. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit, China’s exports grew by 9.7% in 2023, even amid sanctions and restrictions. China is also actively forming new trade alliances with non-Western nations, particularly in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia, to reduce its dependence on Western markets.

Is China’s Growing Role in Developing Countries Dangerous?

China’s growing role in developing countries offers both opportunities and risks. On the one hand, Chinese investments are crucial for building infrastructure and improving living standards in many poor nations. However, the risks associated with these investments cannot be ignored:

  1. Debt-Trap Diplomacy: Critics argue that China’s lending practices may lead to “debt-trap diplomacy,” where countries become financially beholden to China. This situation can lead to political leverage for China in those nations. For instance, countries like  Zambia are currently grappling with debt repayment issues related to Chinese loans, raising concerns about their economic sovereignty.
  2. Environmental Impact: Many of China’s infrastructure projects have been criticized for their environmental impact. For example, the construction of dams, roads, and railways in Africa and Southeast Asia has led to deforestation, habitat destruction, and displacement of local communities.
  3. Social Consequences: China’s involvement in developing countries has sometimes resulted in labor issues and the displacement of local businesses. In Africa, Chinese firms have been accused of bringing in their own laborers for construction projects rather than hiring local workers, exacerbating unemployment problems.

China’s global role

China’s global role is a complex and multifaceted reality that blends genuine contributions to global development with strategic efforts to expand its influence. Through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Development Initiative, China is undoubtedly driving economic growth and infrastructure development in many parts of the world. However, the risks of dependency, debt, and environmental damage associated with China’s involvement in developing countries cannot be ignored.

As China continues to rise, it will face increasing pushback from the U.S. and its allies, but whether sanctions will be enough to curtail China’s ambitions remains uncertain. For the world’s developing nations, China’s rise offers opportunities for growth but also brings new challenges that must be carefully navigated.

References

  1. “China’s Contribution to Global Economic Growth.” World Bank, 2023.
  2. “Belt and Road Initiative Investment Statistics.” China Global Investment Tracker, 2023.
  3. “China’s Role in Saudi-Iran Reconciliation.” Middle East Monitor, 2024.
  4. “China’s Dual Circulation Strategy.” Economist Intelligence Unit, 2024.
  5. “India-China Relations: A Geopolitical Overview.” South Asian Journal, 2024.
  6. “Debt-Trap Diplomacy: A Risk Assessment.” Brookings Institution, 2024.
  7. “Environmental Impact of Chinese Infrastructure Projects.” Global Environmental Politics, 2024.
Wasim Qadri
Wasim Qadrihttp://wasimqadriblog.wordpress.com/
Waseem Shahzad Qadri, Islamabad based Senior Journalist, TV Show Host, Media Trainer, can be follow on twitter @jaranwaliya

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