China grew by discarding big power mentality

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.