Definition of a Superpower

Superpower China

China = Superpower?

During the last four decades, the economic reform and the policy of candidness has made China successful, prosperous and flourishing. Deng Xiaoping's policies of gradual and uncomplicated economic reforms are the main reasons why China has succeeded so rapidly. Moreover, the smooth conversion to a varied economy and the transfer of development tactic from closed-door to openness also catalyzed the whole revolutionary process in the country. However, this swift development of China has been convoyed by a number of complex social, political and ecological problems. Increasing discrimination, perseverance of poverty, dreadful conditions of the environment, bribery, and dilapidated standards of time-honored Chinese ethical and societal standards are the key challenges that China has to deal with in order to grow further. In simple words, China can only have a bright future if it manages to solve these problems (Yao, 2007).

If seen from a pessimistic point-of-view, China would not be able to handle the mentioned constraints and become a real superpower because of the persistent polarization, corruption and fiscal crises. However, if an optimistic approach is taken then it becomes obvious that China has enough potential to preserve its soaring economic growth, diminish unfairness, inequity and poverty in the society, develop and improve the ecological environment, and triumph over the budding problems of energy and material scarcity. In case China achieves these goals, it will outdo Japan by 2017 and the United States by 2037 (Yao, 2007).

Lately, China revealed its Innovation Strategy for the next decade. It has undisclosed its ambitious plans "of moving away from being a low cost manufacturing hub to becoming a leader in strategically important areas such as supercomputers, cloning, space science, biotechnology, and alternatively energy" (Arora, 2011). Japan was overtaken by China as the 2nd largest economy of the world in 2010. This makes it liable to replace United States of America as the world's largest economy in the next few decades. Presently, the largest foreign currency reserves in the world are possessed by China. In addition, the Asian giant also has a grasp on an astonishing $1.6 trillion worth of American government bonds and debt. The economic strengths of China are likely to get more impetus in the future. They are also strong enough that the country can be labeled as the next superpower in the making. However, the question is whether absolute economic strength is the key factor for a country to make it to the rank of a superpower (Arora, 2011)?

The term "superpower" is usually defined as the union of military, financial, political and cultural power, supremacy and domination. Even though these four features are basically entwined, they are also disconnected in nature. A superpower is a country with the capability to influence events on an international level. Although China has developed its economy to high-ceilinged levels, it still has a lot to do. The per capita income in China is about 6 to 8 times less than that in Japan and United States of America. Also, there is a great disparity in urban-rural income which increase gaps between the poor and rich and ultimately gives rise to a large number of disturbances in the country (Arora, 2011).

However, it is a great sign that Chinese leadership recognizes the amplifying discriminations as a crucial issue. China could eventually emerge as a true superpower if it takes appropriate steps to engage its people living in the rural areas and to reduce wealth inequalities within the country. On the other hand, if it still manages to succeed in the alleviation of poverty, China has inherent weaknesses in the arena of politics, diplomacy and governance which could become a hurdle in its way to become a superpower. In addition, the international community has constantly criticized China "over its authoritarian handling of dissent, and limiting the right to free assembly, free press and free speech" (Arora, 2011). Moreover, it has supported oppressors and domineering governments like Sudan, North Korea and Zimbabwe, and this support has raised several questions regarding China's role as a geopolitical power in the future (Arora, 2011).

However, if the other side of the picture is observed, it is obvious that the rapid economic growth, strong trading ties with affluent countries around the world, and increasing diplomatic collaboration have made China one of the first-ranked nations. Although, there are other latent challengers for future global authority as superpowers like Brazil and India, China is likely the subsequent peer contender to the United States. Though it's not known to anyone, but there are chances that a day will come when the People's Republic of China and America will be meeting as equals (Bandow, 2007).

Therefore, it is important for the United States to be observant and suspicious of China but take actions not as onsite nuisance but as an offshore balancer. Rather, the Americans must act as encouragers of China's unrelenting incorporation into the larger universal community. It is exceedingly important for United States to work analytically in order to close out or restrain the two-sided misapprehensions and conflicts. The two countries must also increase security discussions and military exchanges. Also, it is required of the United States to avoid treating the People's Republic of China as an enemy. Expectations are that the twenty first century would be more nonviolent and successful in case the Americans and Chinese governments work together to make it their common century (Bandow, 2007).