Mains Practice Questions

Approach

• Start your answer by briefly discussing factors contributing to China's rise as global power.
• Discuss its implications for the international system.
• Conclude accordingly.

Introduction

• In recent years, China has undergone a rapid rise as a global power, both economically and militarily. This rise has had significant implications for the international system and the balance of power among states.

Body

• Factors contributing to China's rise as a global power:
  • Economic Power: China's economic power has grown significantly in recent years. The country's GDP has grown at an average annual rate of approximately 10% since 1978.
    • This has made China the second-largest economy in the world, behind only the United States. China's economic growth has been driven by a combination of factors, including a large and growing domestic market, a relatively low-cost labor force, and a focus on export-oriented manufacturing.
  • Military Power: In addition to its economic power, China has also grown significantly in terms of military power. China has the largest active military in the world, and it has been investing heavily in its military capabilities in recent years.
    • It has modernized its military and developed advanced weapons systems, including aircraft carrier, stealth fighters, and aircraft drones.
    • Additionally, China has been expanding its global presence through its Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to connect Asia, Europe, and Africa through a network of infrastructure projects.
  • Proactive Diplomacy: The third factor is its diplomatic efforts, China has been actively engaging in diplomacy, building alliances and partnerships, and working to shape the global order in its favor.
    • This has included efforts to strengthen relations with other countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, as well as working to establish itself as a major player in international organizations such as the United Nations.
• Implications of rise of China on International System:
  • The rise of China's economic power has had significant implications for the international system. For example, China is now the largest trading partner of many countries, including the United States.
    • Economically dependent: As a result, countries are increasingly dependent on China for trade and investment.
    • Manipulating International organizations: Additionally, China's economic power has enabled the country to play a more significant role in international organizations, such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
    • Assertive Military posturing: The rise of China's military power has had significant implications for the balance of power among states. China's military expansion has been a source of concern for countries in the region, particularly those in the South China Sea.
      • Additionally, China's military power has enabled the country to play a more significant role in regional security issues, such as the Korean peninsula.
    • Political Implications:
      • Changing global power dynamics: The rise of China has also had significant political implications for the international system. China's increasing economic and military power has led to a shift in the balance of power in the international system and has also led to increased tensions between China and other countries.
        • For example, China's increasing military power has led to concerns about its ability to project military force beyond its borders.
          • Additionally, China's increasing economic power has led to concerns about its ability to exert political influence in other countries.
      • Assertive foreign policy: China has been increasingly assertive in its foreign policy and has been challenging the existing international order in a number of ways.
        • For example, China has been challenging the traditional power structures in Asia and has been pushing for a more multipolar world order.
          • Additionally, China has been increasingly assertive in its territorial disputes with other countries, which has led to tensions with other countries in the region.
          • For e.g., pursuing claims on disputed islands in south China sea and creating artificial islands, further, doing salami slicing (snooping away of miniscule territory) and raising territorial disputes with neighbors like India, Vietnam and Japan.

Conclusion

• The rise of China as a global power has had significant implications for the international system. China's economic and military power has grown significantly in recent years, and this has affected the balance of power among states.
  • Countries are increasingly dependent on China for trade and investment, and China's military expansion has been a source of concern for many countries. As China continues to grow in power, it will be important for countries to work together to ensure a stable and peaceful international system.