Table of Contents
Introduction
Globally, countries strive for sovereign power. Currently, the United States tops the list of powerful countries in the world. United States sovereign power over other countries remains unrivaled. The country, over the years, increases overall influence over other countries through partnerships and strong allies thereby gaining more power. Further, the country has a dynamic economy that sets the benchmark for other countries increasing its bargaining power. Moreover, its military superiority ensures that it secures its top position in international politics. However, in the future, United States shall have to contend for the top position with a new emerging and established economic giant, China.
History and Economy of China
Essentially, China remains a globally attractive country due to its dominant culture and tradition. The culture of the people in the country has continually influenced their behavior and interactions with the world. Earlier on, the country based its values on communism promoted by elite people in the country. However, in recent times citizens agitate for the adoption of populist nationalism. Chinese populist nationalism plays a major role in the foreign policy implemented by the country to other countries. Essentially, Chinese populist nationalist believe in the rule of Imperial China.
Imperial China refers to the period between 221 B.C till AD 1912 when emperors ruled China. In this period, Imperial China was a remarkably stable country which led the world on various fronts such as art and technology with new inventions such as porcelain and gunpowder. As a result, the country prospered and was influential over other nations. Populist nationalist believe that China should implement might and power over other countries as it was in the case of the Imperial China. As stated out earlier, due to this belief by populist nationalist, China has adopted a mild foreign policy.
China’s economy continues to stabilize with each new financial year. Over the last two decades, the economy of the country has been continually improving. Therefore, it is estimated that if the economy continues to appreciate similarly, the country will have surpassed the United States as an economic powerhouse. Mostly, the economy of China has been boosted by the manufacturing of low-cost products for other countries. Regionally, the country performs better than other East Asia giants with its numerous interactions with its neighbors ensuring that it remains ahead of its neighbors.
America’s Threat
The rapid expansion of China has enabled the country to invest in the military. Conceptually, for a country to gain sovereign power, it must invest in the military to ensure that it can enforce its will. China has continually reinforced its military through the allocation of a considerable percentage of its GDP to the military. Currently, the country possesses the best military personnel in East Asia. Further, the country increasingly invests in the number of military equipment needed for the personnel. However, in the current state, the country has not attained sophisticated weapons such as the United States. Arguably, in the next decade, with proper investment in weapons research, the country will be in a better position to challenge the USA.
Currently, America has a large goods trade deficit with China totaling to $347.0 billion as of 2016. The trade deficits have been continually rising since in the early 1990’s the deficit was valued at $10.4 billion. Mostly, the trade deficits are attributed to allegations of unfair trade practices by China. As a result, the practices threaten the existence of American jobs, wages, and the overall living standards. As stated out earlier, China manufactures low-cost goods for export, therefore, questions arise when the country focuses on the manufacture of high-value products currently manufactured in the U. S. Lastly, China is the largest lender to the U.S government. U.S debt to China stands at $1.2 trillion, representing 30% of the total public debt owned by foreign nations. Essentially, the situation warrants China to have a political leverage over the U.S fiscal policy. Arguably, the influence of China on the U.S economy significantly grows each year.
United States Strategy
Currently, the United States strategy requires urgency and effectiveness to foster a better environment for the citizens and retain its top position in the next decade. However, the strategy chosen poses a great impact on the peace and stability of the world since the two nations have great control in the dynamics of the world. The United States needs to formulate a comprehensive plan to reduce the aggressiveness of the Chinese in its markets but also ensure that it promotes the local products. Over the years, most superpower countries have resulted in the implementation of hard power to solve their problems. For instance, the United States sent troops to Iraq for different missions.
China depends on the United States much as the United States depends on China. Therefore, the use of hard power, in this case, would have severe effects on the economy of both countries. Notably, the use of soft power would benefit the interest of both countries. The United States can implement soft power strategies such as light embargoes for products imported from China to promote locally manufactured products. Further, through negotiations between the different parties in the countries, several crucial deals can be signed.
Conclusion
United States faces a significant threat since the era of warfare. In this case, China has resulted to aggressive means to attain its position in the world. China aggressively manufactures products and markets the product in other countries to earn revenue. United States of America must implement soft power measures to ensure that the country retains its position in the next decades.
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