The United States has reigned as a superpower since the end of the Second World War in 1945. However, its influence has deteriorated in the recent past with the rise of China as a regional power in Asia. Hsu (2017) defines a superpower as a country with economic superiority and influence at the global level, robust military and political base, and technological and cultural advantage over others. China has sparked a global power debate in the recent past after it emerged that the country is competing for economic and political influence with the United States. China has the potential to become a superpower in ten years.
A superpower nation is characterized by economic supremacy. China has expanded its economic base by becoming an active exporter of military equipment, manufactured products, and agricultural produce to Asia, the United States, and some of the African countries. For instance, it is nearly impossible to pick an item on shelves without seeing it branded “Made in China.” According to Champion and Leung (2018), China has increased its economic investment and development programs in Africa and Asia. The country has currently invested in infrastructural development programs in Africa. According to Kamray and Jiang (2015), China controls seventy percent of debts in Africa and Asia. The Asian Infrastructural Development Bank and the Silk Road development projects have seen the country focus on aggressive development projects in Asia. The United States has retreated in funding development projects. President Trump is championing for “America First” policy while China makes and expands its economic and political allies to become a superpower.
Military power and political stability characterize the path to becoming a superpower. The United States became superpower after conquering other nations in the Second World War. China has continued expanding and multiplying its military base in the recent past. According to Champion and Leung (2018), China has one of the most complex and heavily funded military in the world. The country has also invested in the latest military equipment. It has partnered with Russia and Japan in Asia with the goal of winning their regional support. If the two countries support its plans and ambitions, China will replace the United States global superiority in the next ten years.
In spite of the argument that China is poised to become a superpower in the next ten years, an opponent of this view may argue that China lacks what it takes to become a superpower. China is mainly a “soft power.” Its economic prowess does not subscribe it to automatic global superiority. The U.S proved to the world that it is a superpower after the Second World War. Nations have formed alliances and international organizations that champion for peace. It is nearly impossible for China to stage a global fight to exhibit its military capability. Furthermore, China has not shown signs of becoming a superpower. The country is currently focused on economic development programs.
China has the potential to rise to superpower status. The country has established an economic base and military capacity that can help it grow to power. However, China will have to fight for its superpower status. Currently, China is focused on expanding economic power. The country has also developed its political power by concentrating on building a vast military base. China has expanded its relationship with its allies in Asia with the goal of winning the regional support. Even though China has not declared its interest in becoming a superpower, it may claim it in the next ten years.
References
Hsu, S. (2017 Feb. 17.). Why China won’t replace the U.S as the world’s superpower. Forbes Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/sarahsu/2017/02/02/why-china-wont-replace-the-u-s-as-the-worlds-superpower/#6c5571c4234d Patel, D. (2017).
Champion, M., & Leung, A. (2018, March 30). Does China have what it takes to be a superpower? Bloomberg. Retrieved from https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2018-china-superpower/
Kamray, N., M. & Jiang, F. (2015 March 3). China’s rise to global economic superpower. Huffington Post. Retrieved from https://www.huffingtonpost.com/nake-m-kamrany/chinas-rise-to-global-eco_b_6544924.html
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