China !

The People’s Republic of China is the world’s most populous country and the second-largest economy in the world. After the World War II, in 1945, China became founding member of the United Nations (UN). It was recognized as one the five permanent members of the UN Security Council (UNSC) alongwith the United States, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom and France. Earlier in 1945, ROC (Republic of China) currently known as the Taiwan was the main founder of UNO alongwith the other above mentioned five countries. Since 1971, after passed the new resolution 2758, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) recognized as the legitimate representative of China for the UN Security Council. It was ruled by successive dynasties such as Xia, Shang, Qin, Han, Tang, Ming and Qing.

Invasions and creation of Wall of China

Earlier in the 3^rd Century Nomadic Tribes living on the vast Central Asia steppe were very skilled horsemen and warriors who could fast attacks on Chinese. Genghis Khan and Kublai Khan also invaded and ruled China. Then after in the 17^th century Manchus invaded and established Qing Dynasty. Resulted, during the Ming Dynasty a prebuilt wall of China recognized as the iconic wall. The main purpose of the wall was to defend from northern nomads. The wall was for the purpose of controlling trade and migration along the Silk Road it was also known as to symbolize the strength and unity of the Chinese empire. However, the said wall was not fully successful in stopping invasion but it served as a psychological and military barrier, slowing down nomadic aggression.

Colonial Invasions

Britain alongwith France defeated China and gain Hong Kong and extraterritorial privileges which benefitted them for trades. In the 19^th Century Russia, France, Germany, Japan and the U.S. were also invaded due to which Shanghai International Settlement occurred. Qingdao was seized by Germany and Macau by Portugal.

Japanese Invasion (1894-95)

The First Sino-Japan War during 1894-95, Japan invaded China and defeated. Gained Taiwan and Korea’s independence from Chinese influence. The Second Sino Japan War was held in 1937-45 in which Japan launched a full invasion of China and captured large parts of Beijing, Shanghai and Nanjing.  In 1937, there was a mass killings and atrocities had occurred which is known as the darkest chapters in the history.  After World War II Japan released China in 1945.

Civil War & Internal Conflict

After the colonial war there were instabilities in the country known as Civil War between Nationalists and Communists. The Japanese invasion mainly the second Sino Japan war was the most devastating in Chinese history. However, period from 1839 to 1949 is known as the century of humiliation. During the said period China was fully under the control of other powerful countries.

People’s Republic of China (1949 – Present)

After the civil war, Mao Zedong and the Communist Party of China (CPC) declared the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in Beijing. Chiang Kai-Shek Nationalist Government fled to Taiwan, still calling itself the Republic of China (ROC). China regained its sovereignty, national unity, territorial integrity and economic modernization under Communist Party leadership.

Modern China

Today, China is the world’s second-largest economy, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, and a major global power. After founding of the People’s Republic of China on            1 October 1949, declared full independence and freedom. Now it has transform into a global power with strong influence in politics, economics, technologies and military affairs. Rapid growth in technology and manufacturing base has shown China as an international power. However, relationship with the neighboring countries is not so good in spite of Russia and Pakistan. Its border disputes with India along the Line of Actual Control caused several major conflicts and war. Relation with Taiwan, Vietnam, The Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei are also remain highly sensitive.

China’s Role in Global Organizations

China plays an important role in global organizations like a permanent member of the UN Security Council (UNSC), giving it veto power on critical global security decisions. In the BRICS group (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa), China is the largest economy and playing a very important role such as in the New Development Bank (NDB), which finances infrastructure and sustainable development projects. BRICS organization is the only platform for the country members to promote multipolarity and reduce Western dominance in global financial systems. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), China works closely with Russia and Central Asian states to address security, economic and regional stability issues. Overall, China uses these organizations to expand its diplomatic influence on global level and maintain balance of U.S. dominance.

South China Sea and China

The South China Sea (SCS) is one of the most important region in the world. It is important for the perspective of its strategic location, rich in oil and natural gas reserves. It is definitely important for purpose of security implications. China claims that the entire South China Sea through the “Nine-Dash Line” is its historical territory. There are several islands like Spratlys and Paracels are also important for the purpose of security and national interest. China has made several military bases on the islands which are definitely strengthen its naval and surveillance capability in the entire South China Sea. About 30% of global trade passes through the South China Sea, including energy shipments to China, Japan and South Korea. However, for China it is about sovereignty & Security but for the other countries it is about a freedom of trade and security.

Conclusion

Today, China is the world’s second-largest economy, a permanent member of the UN Security Council. As per the current policy and global influence of America, the under developed countries are required to save their national interest by following China as an alternative. Today, China has emerged as a major economic, manufacturing hub and playing a master role in technology. A major initiative has already been taken by China like Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which is for the purpose of building roads, railways, ports and others energy project. Developing countries can take access to both finance and technology. However, the participating countries are required to be more cautious to avoid more debt dependency, sovereignty issues and strategic pressure. Therefore, as per my point of view, nations should adopt a multi alignment strategy to safeguard their national interests while achieving sustainable growth.

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