China: emerging superpower
IMTIAZ RAFI BUTT
While all eyes turn to the so-called clashof civilisations between Islam and the West, in the long run China will have the most profound impact on the world,” writes Ted C. Fishman in “China Inc.” To him, China’s rise is the attack of the “one-point something billion brains for global domination and world resources.” The economic and military rise of China has upset the apple cart of the United States.
The rapid rise of another challenger threatens to thwart the imperialistic designs of the United States and humble its pride. No wonder the superpower is on its guard and has accelerated its efforts to encircle China. The nuclear deal with India is also a major risk in this chain. The object: to build India into a regional power strong enough to contain China.
“The mightiest states,” says Professor John Mearsheimer of the Chicago University, “attempt to establish hegemony in their own region while making sure no rival great power dominates another region. Their ultimate aim is to be the hegemon, the only great power in the system. Regional hegemonism in other words, does not want peer competitors.” China will, therefore, want to make sure that it is so powerful that no state in Asia has the wherewithal to threaten it.
The US-China relations are already under strain ahead of the summit. There is increasing domestic political pressure for the United States to treat China as the next major adversary. This anti-China stance, however, is not new. American relations with China have been antagonistic since the early 1990s.
The conflicts between the two countries, Deng Xiaoping said in September 1991, constituted “a new cold war.” The United States can therefore be expected to go to great lengths to contain China. Apart from India, Japan and Russia and smaller powers like Singapore and South Korea are also worried about China’s ascendancy.
Japan’s insistence that it be allowed to maintain regular armed forces and strengthen its military capability could also be a pointer in the direction. Last July’s ten-year military agreement between United States and India in Chinese eyes foreshadows a full military alliance between the sole global superpower and Asia’s other emerging giant. China is also not oblivious to the setting up of new American military bases to its west in Afghanistan, Kvrgyzstan and Tajikistan. It is well aware of the geo-strategic changes taking place around it. The US-India nuclear deal has drawn a sharp response from it.
The rise of China will have a global impact but its effect would be felt chiefly in Southeast Asia and possibly lead to the formation of power blocs. “For Pakistan,” writes Noorilhuda, a geo-political analyst, “it would make sense to enhance co-operation with the rising China power for long-term benefits, them to win petty battles of ‘us v/s India’ with America.
Pakistan is a small country but it can play to its strengths - geo-strategic importance, abundant natural resources and labour.” With growing political and economic discontent in the Muslim world, Pakistan could become a key player in the global arena rather than a mini player in the regional field.
Notwithstanding Iran’s claims, Pakistan is the only nuclear Islamic power that is strategically placed between China, India and the Middle East and is a gateway to the landlocked Central Asian oil-rich states. Pakistan is thus of great importance from China’s perspective.
Pakistan-China gathered warmth and momentum when Prime Minister Husain Shaheed Suharwardy visited China. Later Mr Bhutto as Foreign Minister carried this relationship to new heights.
Every Pakistani ruler has given the highest priority to Chinese friendship. Chinese leaders acknowledge this. Despite American urging Pakistan did nothing to compromise Chinese interests in the Sino-Indian border war of 1962. After the fall of Dhaka, China categorically declared that it would not recognise Bangladesh unless Pakistan did so.
China has helped Pakistan in the industrial sector as well. The Taxila Heavy Mechanical Complex and the Aeronautical Complex at Kamra are splendid examples in this regard. Dozens of massive projects are being completed in collaboration with China.
The 21st century is the Chinese century. No coalition can stop the emergence of China as the new global superpower. The United States, Japan, Australia, Europe will, no doubt, do their worst to clip its wings but who can halt the march of destiny. Pakistan and China have remained friends through thick and thin. Their friendship transcends of political expediency, short-term compromises and Machiavellian opportunism.
Our geo-political, economic industrial and technological future is linked with the future of China. If China prospers so would Pakistan.
IMTIAZ RAFI BUTT
While all eyes turn to the so-called clashof civilisations between Islam and the West, in the long run China will have the most profound impact on the world,” writes Ted C. Fishman in “China Inc.” To him, China’s rise is the attack of the “one-point something billion brains for global domination and world resources.” The economic and military rise of China has upset the apple cart of the United States.
The rapid rise of another challenger threatens to thwart the imperialistic designs of the United States and humble its pride. No wonder the superpower is on its guard and has accelerated its efforts to encircle China. The nuclear deal with India is also a major risk in this chain. The object: to build India into a regional power strong enough to contain China.
“The mightiest states,” says Professor John Mearsheimer of the Chicago University, “attempt to establish hegemony in their own region while making sure no rival great power dominates another region. Their ultimate aim is to be the hegemon, the only great power in the system. Regional hegemonism in other words, does not want peer competitors.” China will, therefore, want to make sure that it is so powerful that no state in Asia has the wherewithal to threaten it.
The US-China relations are already under strain ahead of the summit. There is increasing domestic political pressure for the United States to treat China as the next major adversary. This anti-China stance, however, is not new. American relations with China have been antagonistic since the early 1990s.
The conflicts between the two countries, Deng Xiaoping said in September 1991, constituted “a new cold war.” The United States can therefore be expected to go to great lengths to contain China. Apart from India, Japan and Russia and smaller powers like Singapore and South Korea are also worried about China’s ascendancy.
Japan’s insistence that it be allowed to maintain regular armed forces and strengthen its military capability could also be a pointer in the direction. Last July’s ten-year military agreement between United States and India in Chinese eyes foreshadows a full military alliance between the sole global superpower and Asia’s other emerging giant. China is also not oblivious to the setting up of new American military bases to its west in Afghanistan, Kvrgyzstan and Tajikistan. It is well aware of the geo-strategic changes taking place around it. The US-India nuclear deal has drawn a sharp response from it.
The rise of China will have a global impact but its effect would be felt chiefly in Southeast Asia and possibly lead to the formation of power blocs. “For Pakistan,” writes Noorilhuda, a geo-political analyst, “it would make sense to enhance co-operation with the rising China power for long-term benefits, them to win petty battles of ‘us v/s India’ with America.
Pakistan is a small country but it can play to its strengths - geo-strategic importance, abundant natural resources and labour.” With growing political and economic discontent in the Muslim world, Pakistan could become a key player in the global arena rather than a mini player in the regional field.
Notwithstanding Iran’s claims, Pakistan is the only nuclear Islamic power that is strategically placed between China, India and the Middle East and is a gateway to the landlocked Central Asian oil-rich states. Pakistan is thus of great importance from China’s perspective.
Pakistan-China gathered warmth and momentum when Prime Minister Husain Shaheed Suharwardy visited China. Later Mr Bhutto as Foreign Minister carried this relationship to new heights.
Every Pakistani ruler has given the highest priority to Chinese friendship. Chinese leaders acknowledge this. Despite American urging Pakistan did nothing to compromise Chinese interests in the Sino-Indian border war of 1962. After the fall of Dhaka, China categorically declared that it would not recognise Bangladesh unless Pakistan did so.
China has helped Pakistan in the industrial sector as well. The Taxila Heavy Mechanical Complex and the Aeronautical Complex at Kamra are splendid examples in this regard. Dozens of massive projects are being completed in collaboration with China.
The 21st century is the Chinese century. No coalition can stop the emergence of China as the new global superpower. The United States, Japan, Australia, Europe will, no doubt, do their worst to clip its wings but who can halt the march of destiny. Pakistan and China have remained friends through thick and thin. Their friendship transcends of political expediency, short-term compromises and Machiavellian opportunism.
Our geo-political, economic industrial and technological future is linked with the future of China. If China prospers so would Pakistan.
