While the USA seems to keep eyeballing Trump and his policies, China seems to be embarking on a journey to become the leading superpower in the world.
President Xi Jinping in his speech at the 19th Communist Party Congress said that China is on the verge of becoming a modern socialist “strong power” with leading influence on the world stage. He asserted that in this new Era, China will be a role model for the world’s economic and political development. He vowed that the country will defend its interest zealously, while as a global leader try to solve issues like trade and climate change.
It is Xi Jinping’s second term in office and his grip on power seems ever more secure. It is important to note that the Communist Party has honored his views on the constitution, while commentators on the media keep portraying him as having a similar stature in history to Mao Zedong.
Andrew Nathan, a commentator on Chinese politics said that the western world sees China modernizing its economy and becoming more diverse at home and cooperative abroad. Yet, he fears that China might become more authoritarian and provide support to other non-democratic countries.
The world sees China being more authoritative and cooperative in terms of trade, climate change, and regarding North Korea issue.
According to the United Nations regular budget for the year 2017, The United States of America is the biggest member state contributor with 610 million dollars. China comes in third with 219 million dollars.
China’s new consistent role seems to be making a more robust economy, improving popularity in the world, and increasing political confidence under Xi Jinping’s leadership.
Global views of the U.S. and China are narrowing
According to a Pew Research Centre and the Spring 2017 Global Attitudes Survey, the USA popularity in the world is today lower than in the 2014-2016 period, dropping from 64 to 49%. China’s popularity in the world is also lower now than in the 2014-2016 period, dropping from 50 to 47%. Nevertheless, the study shows the global views of the U.S. and China are narrowing. In Europe, to seven of the ten nations in the study, China is recognized as the world’s first economic power.
In Asia, the U.S. is still seen as world’s leading economy, but gap with China is narrowing
For instance, in a recent Pew Research Centre and the Spring 2017 Global Attitudes Survey about which country is the world’s leading economic power, the Philippines have also shifted their perceptions. 49% still consider the U.S. the world’s leading economic power, which is down from 68% in 2014. Meanwhile, the share of the public calling China and the economic superpower has risen from 14% to 25% in that same time period.
China seems to be winning global recognition by virtue of spending billions on foreign aid, promising trade and investment options. Moreover, promoting Chinese culture and language through the Confucius Institute.
