ETVT china is now a superpower Flashcards
LOA
not yet
structure
economic power
military power
geopolitical power and allies
- for economic power
China’s economic power now rivals the US, with a GDP of ~$19 trillion (2024) and expected to overtake the US by 2035. Since joining the WTO in 2001, China became the world’s manufacturing hub (30% of global output). Global supply chains rely on China, making it hard for the US to fully “decouple.”
China is also a leader in high-tech sectors: 5G (Huawei), AI (Tencent), electric vehicles (BYD), and biotech. The Made in China 2025 Plan aims to secure global leadership in advanced industries through state-driven investment.
China is the largest trading partner for 120+ countries and uses this influence geopolitically — for example, Hungary now backs China in the EU, which helps China destabilise Western unity.
- against economic power
China’s economic growth, while impressive, is vulnerable. It relies heavily on exports and investment rather than strong domestic consumption. It faces rising debt levels (corporate and local government debt >280% of GDP) and a major demographic crisis due to its aging population, which threatens long-term economic stability.
Growth has already slowed — to below 5% in 2023 — compared to the double-digit growth in earlier decades.
Additionally, the U.S. dollar remains the world’s reserve currency (~60% of global reserves), giving the U.S. dominance over global finance and trade. U.S. brands and universities also remain globally dominant:
7/10 of the world’s top global brands are American (e.g. Apple, Amazon, Google, Tesla).
The U.S. hosts the world’s most prestigious universities.
China lacks these deep structural advantages, suggesting it’s not yet a true superpower on the same level as the U.S.
- for military power
China is now seen as the second most powerful military globally, having translated its economic and population power into military strength.
In 2024, China had the world’s second-largest defence budget at $230 billion.
The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has been modernised, and China now has the largest navy by ship count in the world.
It has developed advanced missile technology, including hypersonic missiles and ballistic systems.
Assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific and South China Sea (e.g., militarising and building artificial islands) showcases its regional dominance and ability to challenge U.S. power.
Its huge population of 1.4 billion gives it massive latent military strength, allowing for potential large-scale mobilisation.
Together, this suggests China’s military power now plays a central role in supporting its growing status as a superpower.
- against military power
Despite major investment, China’s military still lags significantly behind the U.S. in key areas.
The U.S. defence budget was $877 billion in 2023, much larger than China’s ($230 billion in 2024).
The U.S. maintains a global military presence with over 700 overseas bases vs China’s fewer than 5.
The U.S. has a wide technological lead in advanced weapons systems, training quality, and battlefield experience.
The U.S. has decades of large-scale military intervention experience (Iraq, Afghanistan, global NATO operations), which China lacks.
China’s military strength is still largely regional (focused on the Indo-Pacific and South China Sea), whereas the U.S. has true global power projection
- for geopolitical power and allies
China has strong partnerships with Russia, North Korea, and Iran — based on:
➡️ Economic cooperation (e.g. Iran exports 90% of its oil to China).
➡️ Shared geopolitical goals — all seek to reduce U.S. influence globally (Eurasia, Middle East).
Belt and Road Initiative (BRI):
➡️ Launched in 2013 to create new global trade routes.
➡️ By 2024, over 140 countries joined.
➡️ Expands China’s economic and strategic leverage worldwide via infrastructure investment.
Case Study: China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC):
➡️ Major transport & energy project linking China and Pakistan.
➡️ Reduces reliance on South China Sea shipping routes.
➡️ Gives China political leverage over Pakistan, shaping its decisions to match Chinese interests.
- against geopolitical power and allies
AGAINST – Weaknesses in Alliances & Global Reputation:
China’s limited network of alliances weakens the argument that it is a true superpower.
The U.S. has deep global alliances:
➡️ Leads NATO (30 member states).
➡️ Strong Indo-Pacific defence pacts (Japan, South Korea, Australia).
➡️ Historic alliances with UK, France, Germany, Japan.
➡️ These partners’ economic power far exceeds that of Russia and Iran (China’s main allies).
China’s partnerships are often transactional:
➡️ Many are based on economic dependency rather than military loyalty.
Debt-trap diplomacy criticism:
➡️ Sri Lanka’s Hambantota Port had to be leased to China after loan repayment failure.
➡️ Accusations of exploiting weaker countries for strategic advantage have damaged China’s reputation.
Soft power decline:
➡️ Aggressive actions in the South China Sea.
➡️ Global criticism over the treatment of Uyghurs in Xinjiang.
➡️ Former partners like India have grown hostile, especially after border clashes in the Himalayas.
What is the most persuasive argument that China is now a superpower?
China’s economic might is now comparable to the United States and is expected to become the world’s largest economy by 2035. China accounts for 30% of global manufacturing and is deeply entrenched in global supply chains. Additionally, leadership in sectors like 5G, AI, and electric vehicles supports its status as a superpower.
Why is it argued that China’s economic growth is vulnerable and doesn’t yet constitute superpower status?
China faces significant challenges: high corporate and local government debt, an aging population, and a shrinking workforce. The growth rate has slowed below 5%, and it lacks structural advantages like the US dollar’s dominance in global reserves and the global presence of U.S. brands.
Why can China be argued to now be a superpower in terms of military power?
China has the world’s second-largest defense budget and has significantly modernized its military, especially in naval power and missile technology. It has become more assertive in the Indo-Pacific and seeks to control the South China Sea through militarizing islands and creating artificial ones.
Why is China not yet a superpower in military terms compared to the U.S.?
The U.S. has an $877 billion defense budget and a global military presence with over 700 bases. The U.S. military’s experience in global operations, superior logistical capabilities, and ability to project power globally through advanced naval and air assets are key strengths that China lacks.
What are some arguments that China is a superpower in terms of geopolitical influence?
China has formed key alliances with Russia, North Korea, and Iran for energy exports and military cooperation. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has expanded influence in the Global South, with over 140 countries participating, such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Why is China’s network of alliances considered a weakness in its claim to be a superpower?
China’s alliances are mainly transactional or economically dependent, unlike the U.S. which leads NATO and has strong alliances with major powers. The Belt and Road Initiative has faced criticism for debt-trap diplomacy, and aggressive actions in the South China Sea have alienated potential partners.
