Introduction
It is crucial to mention that China is trying to become an important state in the region and the world. After Donald Trump became president of the United States, who focused more on domestic policy than foreign affairs, China expanded its influence (Balaam & Dillman, 2019, p. 344). Thus, it is essential to analyze whether China is developing hegemony and to assess China’s influence.
China’s Development and Influence
China has recently built an open policy and is a crucial global manufacturing center. China is also considered a world power because its economy is the second largest in the world (Balaam & Dillman, 2019, p. 360). In foreign policy, China’s leadership has started to pursue an open policy in dealing with representatives of Brazil, India, and Russia and to conduct an active international position in various organizations (Balaam & Dillman, 2019, p. 344). This demonstrates that the Chinese government is attempting to gain an advantage in the region and the world.
Nevertheless, there are opinions that China’s rise threatens the existing world order. This is because Chinese leaders rely on consumer culture and illiberal behavior. Accordingly, there are questions in academic circles about whether China’s rise can be peaceful and not harm the established economic and political international regime (Balaam & Dillman, 2019, p. 361).
Moreover, many Western states accuse China of deliberately undervaluing its currency to obtain export subsidies and dumping abroad (363). In addition, China’s leadership struggles to maintain regional influence by establishing partial cooperation with Russia. Thus, it is an opportunity to create a coalition of states that support Russia’s policy and will consume Chinese products (Balaam & Dillman, 2019, p. 363). As a result, this may lead to the appearance of a bipolar system in international relations.
Conclusion
Hence, China has become active in international political and economic activities. However, China’s leadership is trying to create a zone of influence in the region as opposed to Western powers. Consequently, this may threaten the existing international order and system of international relations.
Reference
Balaam, D. N., & Dillman, B. (2019). Introduction to international political economy (7th ed.). Routledge.