A
nation’s power is measured in many ways. In terms of geography, population,
economy and resources, China is inherently a great power. Since 1978 when it
began opening up and reforming its economy, China has gradually accumulated its
national strength, improved its image and taken an active role in international
affairs.
The
common description of power in the International system is deeply flawed. It
means different things and there is no consensus on the defining and differentiating
characteristics of a great power. While the traditional military and strategic
concept still counts, the perception of what constitutes a great power has
changed significantly and is subject to redefinition and assessment. China’s
own assessment of power focuses more on economic, scientific and technological
prowess, rather than military focus. This is evidenced by the 2011 released
white paper on China’s peaceful development.
China’s
rapid growth and expanding influence in the International community has
generated heated debates as to whether it has achieved ‘great power’ status.
Whereas the Chinese are content with ‘emerging power’ status, its unprecedented
growth and influence in the International community depict a nation that has
taken charge. As it marches towards the centre of the world arena, China has
been compelled to take International responsibilities matching its power,
status and position. Despite inexperience in fulfilling great power responsibilities,
the Asian nation has been swiftly thrust into the role of a great power and has
resolutely taken these responsibilities and is portraying the image of a
responsible power.
Great
power responsibilities include financial, humanitarian, global governance and
politics, International security etc. China is positively engaging the
International community in addressing these challenges in a more primary role.
It has increased its involvement in non-traditional security issues, and sought
a more understanding of the world, especially Africa, to achieve a strong sense
of responsibility. It is sympathetic to weak and kind to the meek.
In
terms of global governance, China has maintained a responsible attitude and
goodwill towards the current world order by advancing concepts that do not
disrupt the system. These include ‘peaceful coexistence’, ‘new security
concept’, ‘peaceful development’ and ‘harmonious world’. Its development
strategy embodies the system responsibility; that is, a development strategy
under the framework of the current international rules and regulations rather
than seeking an alternative and disruptive strategies that undermine the
current system.
In
the humanitarian sector, China is guided by its diplomatic tradition that lays
emphasis on giving rather than gaining. This principle in the development of
diplomatic relations with other states has more often been received with
suspicion, but it has eventually helped in strengthening friendships and
cooperation and expanding China’s influence. The country continues to attract
international praise for its lead role in post-disaster assistance. Its skilled
and professional international rescue teams have been dispatched across the
globe in Algeria, Iran, Pakistan, Aceh, Yogyakarta, and Haiti among other
areas.
In
global governance and politics, China has stood with developing countries in
international multilateral negotiations. It strives for the interests of
developing countries as it understands that it cannot develop alone and
therefore, it has pushed for the enhancement of ‘south south’ cooperation to
achieve mutual compliments in development and economy.
In
the last 34 years of reform and growth, China has showed the world the
magnitude of its labor force, purchasing power, creativity, industry and
commitment to development. It has averaged
an annual GDP growth of 9.4 percent annually and lifted over 400 million people
out of poverty. Many countries are looking up to China for this remarkable
achievement and Africa is set to be the biggest beneficiary of these lessons.
China is sharing its development lessons with developing countries and making
ground-breaking contributions to African development. Through the Forum on
China Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), Chinese leaders and African leaders discuss
development challenges and ways to achieve equality and mutual prosperity.
Apart
from offering inspiration to African countries, China has played a significant
role in Africa’s growth in the recent past. In line with its commitment made at
the Forum on China Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), it has provided African
countries with assistance without political conditions through favorable
concessional development loans, reduced tariffs and cancelled debts of least
developed nations in Africa.
China’s
power and its global role continue to elicit mixed sentiments. Assessing its
power accurately is critical in understanding China’s achievements and its
impacts on the international arena. China is inspired by an ancient Chinese
philosophy which regards both material capability and morality as necessities
of a durable global leader. China’s soft power is not only focused on making
China a rich and strong nation, but to make the outside world friendly and safe
for China to do business. Soft power counts more than hard power and China is
all about making friends and securing peace and prosperity abroad and in turn a
conducive environment for a solid economic base. Whereas China is not
comparable to the United States Militarily and economically, it has clearly
taken charge and is without doubt, a force to reckon with now in the near
future.
