Beijing: Thousands of soldiers marched through Tiananmen Square, showcasing China’s military might with intercontinental ballistic missiles, rocket launchers, and battle tanks, as President Xi Jinping stood prominently above a portrait of Mao Zedong. This event, attended by 26 heads of state and government from Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, highlighted China’s intent to present itself as a burgeoning global superpower.
According to Deutsche Welle, under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, China is on a trajectory to expand its international influence both economically and politically. By 2049, marking the centenary of the People’s Republic, Xi envisions China as a “modern socialist country” characterized by prosperity, strength, and democracy. Projections suggest that China could surpass the US as the world’s largest economy in the next 15 years, marking a significant shift in global economic power.
China’s political influence is also on the rise, as evidenced by its leadership roles in international organizations like BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), launched by Xi in 2013, has been a cornerstone of this expansion, fostering partnerships with 153 signatory states through infrastructure projects worldwide. Examples include the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and the development of the Chancay megaport in Peru.
The intertwining of economics and politics is central to China’s vision of a new world order, particularly for the Global South. Through institutions like the China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, China provides loans aligned with its foreign policy goals, albeit amid concerns over labor rights and environmental standards. Partner countries often bear significant debt, increasing their reliance on China.
While the “China model” faces criticism from the West, it finds growing support in the Global South. Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo encourages African nations to learn from China’s progress, which he describes as a source of inspiration. Meanwhile, the US, once the leading donor, has reduced foreign aid under the Trump administration, creating opportunities for China to expand its influence.
Xi’s ambition extends to reforming “global governance” to democratize international relations and resist hegemony. This approach, as outlined by Claus Soong of the Mercator Institute for China Studies, is driven by statism and national interests rather than liberal ideals. Chinese diplomats are crafting a master plan to address the evolving global power dynamics and increasing frequency of global crises.
Despite its ambitions, China does not seek to export its governance model, as noted by China expert Sandschneider. The Communist Party’s unique system, marked by non-interference in other nations’ internal affairs, prioritizes resources and market access.
Europe, grappling with internal challenges and the unpredictability of US policies, has limited capacity to respond to China’s rise. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized the need to engage with the momentum in Asia, acknowledging the region’s ambition to achieve world leadership.
This article is part of “Decoding China,” a series by Deutsche Welle that critically examines Chinese positions and arguments from a German and European perspective.