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The Rise of China

Twenty years ago, when China opened its door for economic reforms, no one could have image the effect it would have on China or the world. Today, she has the largest population, second largest defense budget, and is the world’s second largest economy. This allows China to challenge some of the most powerful countries, including the United States, for control of the international stage.

The leaders of China have spent time visiting other countries and leaders from other countries have frequently visited China; these include the United States, Japan and Canada. Her relationship with other countries has never been better. China has made it clear that she wants to build a peaceful and harmonious world. It is against her wish to use military force. Her focus now is to assist the poor developing countries and to develop a peaceful world.

China will continue to have an important impact on the world economy. The growth of China’s trade provides more affordable consumer goods. If China can adhere the rules of the World Trade Organization, it will offer numerous opportunities to foreign investors and traders. The country has $1.5 trillium worth of foreign currency, with a good portion in U.S. dollars. If China were to dump its U.S. dollars, it would definitely hurt the United States, and this is one of the important reasons that the world’s perception of China as a major power is growing. Cheap Chinese exports have kept inflation low and the purchase of American treasury bonds has helped the U.S. to finance her debts. This also allows China to invest heavily in the financial and energy sectors around the world. The Olympics this year will put China on the international stage and everyone is longing to see the performance of China as the host of the Games.

As China continues to grow in her economic and military power, do you think she will become a threat to the world or will China get along with other countries? What are the positive and negative implications of the rise of China?

The Response Piece: The Rise of China

Source of article:

“Welcome to the Peaceful Rise of China.” A statement from US State Department.
Asia Times Online. 25 June 2007. http://www.atchinese.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=35630&Itemid=33

This statement indicates that the United States welcomes China’s peaceful rise. It stresses that the Fourth Sino-US Strategic Dialogue is for both parties to establish a solid framework of mutual trust. It states that “China is rising as an economic power, and also her political and diplomatic influence is growing. This is a significant development in the world today.” The US State Department believes that the relations between China and the United States promote and strengthen peace and security for both countries.

The two countries will firmly implement the agreements that were reached, and constantly expand common interests, in the basis of equality, mutual respect and mutual trust to ensure long-term, healthy and stable development. Both sides believe that they must properly handle the issue of Taiwan. The two sides discussed the nuclear issues, climate change, energy security, world peace, stability and prosperity, as well as preventing the growth of weapons of mass destruction,

The relationship between China, one of the oldest civilizations with the largest population, and the United States, one of the youngest civilizations with the strongest economy, is significant not only for the two countries but also for the whole world. The essence of Chinese culture is family affection and attachment. Any individual behavior damaging national dignity and group honor is not encouraged in Chinese society that thinks highly of collective benefits. American culture adopts a strong religious flavor and promotes freedom, democracy and human rights. To handle the Sino-US relationship appropriately, I agree that the presence of equality, mutual respect and mutual trust are very important, but both sides should realize the necessity to further understand and respect for each other’s cultures. Only through this kind of cooperation can any possible crises in the future can be minimized, benefiting both sides.