The counterintelligence and economic espionage efforts emanating from the government of China and the Chinese Communist Party are a potential threat to the economic development and democratic values of the United States. Critics argue that the rise of China is as dangerous as the rise of communism and the USSR. 

Muhammad Saqlain Kanjan

Introduction:

A veteran diplomat and renowned author, Henry Kissinger, claims,
"The rapid rise of the People's Republic of China as a military and economic power is challenging the status quo."
In the 21st century, the global geopolitical landscape has witnessed a notable shift with the rapid rise of China as an economic, technological, and military powerhouse. China's rapid economic growth has positioned it as a global economic powerhouse, potentially challenging America's economic dominance that it has held for several decades. The ascent of China has got America into a stew over its potential threat to the United States. This blog delves into various aspects that stem from the perceived threat of China to America.

Economic competition between America and China

China has transformed from an emerging consumer market to a powerful and influential economy in recent years. With strategic long-term goals designed to modernize its economy and society, it has transformed its economy into a high-tech industry and become a nation of global influence. The economic dispute between China and the United States has been ongoing since January 2018, when US President Donald Trump began imposing tariffs and other trade barriers on China aimed at forcing it to make changes to what the US says are long-standing unfair trade practices. According to Bloomberg Economics, which now forecasts it will take until the mid-2040s for China's gross domestic product to exceed that of the US, as China expands its economic influence, there are concerns that it could challenge America's economic supremacy. Trade imbalances, intellectual property issues, and market access disputes all contribute to the perception that China's economic growth could pose a challenge to US economic interests.

Joe Biden with Xi Jinping 


Technological Rivalry between the United States and China

The technological race between the United States and China is another pivotal factor in the perceived threat. China's development headways in areas such as artificial intelligence, 5G technology, and quantum computing have raised eyebrows in Washington. Data shows that China is now about 75 percent as advanced in innovation and industrial production as the United States. If this relative growth continues at a rapid pace, China will overtake the US by 2035. The fear is that China's technological advancement could not only erode US technological supermacy but also present cybersecurity threats, particularly in areas such as cyber warfare and espionage.

Military Modernization of China: A Threat to US Supermacy

China went to overdrive military modernization and technological advancement to build an invincible military powerhouse. These actions have also added a layer of complexity to US-China relations. The modernization of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), including advanced missile systems, naval capabilities, and space exploration, has fueled concerns about a possible shift in the US's status quo military balance. The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists and the Federation of American Scientists estimated in 2023 that China had a stockpile of about 410 nuclear warheads, while the United States Department of Defense estimated more than 500 operational nuclear warheads. These led the US to increase defense spending to maintain its strategic superiority.

China's military 


Strategic rivalry between China and the United States

China's territorial claims, particularly in the South China Sea, have heightened geopolitical tensions. The construction of artificial islands, disputes over maritime boundaries, and a growing naval presence contribute to the perception that China is seeking to expand its influence at the expense of regional stability. This assertiveness extends beyond the Asia-Pacific region, with China actively engaged in diplomatic and economic initiatives globally. Those offensive and aggressive actions by China have compelled the US to follow a competitive approach to the People's Republic of China (PRC). This competitive perspective has two objectives: first, to improve the resilience of American institutions, alliances, and partnerships to meet the challenges the PRC presents; and second, to force Beijing to stop or reduce actions that are harmful to America's vested national interests and its international domains.

China's increasing influence in international organizations

The 2023 Chicago Council Survey claims that a majority of Americans (58%) view the rise of China as a global power as a significant threat to American interests. This is the highest level of concern since the council first asked the question in 1990.

China has launched a number of visionary initiatives, including the global community of a common future, a new type of international relations, the common values of humanity, the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization, Global Governance, Promoted a set of initiatives and visions for friendship and interests, security, development, cooperation, and the environment.
Peter Katzenstein argues that the rising influence of China in international organizations could lead to a reshaping of international norms and institutions, potentially challenging the values and interests that the United States promotes.

Conclusion:

The rise of China undoubtedly presents a complex set of challenges and concerns for the United States. While economic interdependence persists, the competition for technological supremacy, military dominance, and geopolitical influence raises concerns about the future trajectory of US-China relations. It is important for policymakers to take a closer look at this complex landscape, recognizing both areas of competition and potential avenues of cooperation to ensure global stability in the face of these emerging geopolitical dynamics.