The Threat of China

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The Threat of China

With the end of the Cold War emerged two superpowers: The United States and the Soviet Union. The international system then was considered bipolar, a system where power is distributed in which two states have the majority of military, economic, and cultural influence both internationally and regionally. In this case, spheres of influence developed, meaning Western and democratic states fell under the influence of U.S. while most communist states were under the influence of the Soviet Union. Today, the international system is no longer bipolar, since only one superpower can exist, and indisputably that nation is the United States. However China is encroaching on this title with their rapid growth educationally, economically, and militaristically.

In the race to be the best, China is clearly outperforming the United States. China has strong economic fundamentals¬ such as “a high savings rate, huge labor pool, and powerful work ethic” (Rachman, Gideon. "Think Again: American Decline). Their economy has grown an astonishing 9-10% over the past thirty years; almost double of what it used to be decades ago. China is also the “world’s greatest manufacturer and its greatest market” (Rachman). The continuing growth of China's economy is a source of concern for not only the U.S. but surrounding nations as well. One could argue that the U.S. need not worry about China’s growth because of the spread of globalization and that western ideologies would influence China to turn to democracy. Yet China has still managed to “incorporate censorship and one party rule with continuing economic success” (Rachman) and remains a communist country. Hypothetically, even if China does resort to a democratic state, this does not gua...

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...e will dissipate. With each new day, China continues to invent new technologies and expand their global markets. China is only getting stronger, and if the United States wants to remain a contender is this race to be the best, we must stay alert and continue to not only keep up, but outperform the Chinese.

Works Cited

Arunachalam, Subbiah. "University World News - CHINA: Investment in Tertiary Education on the Rise." University World News - University World Home Page. 22 June 2008. Web. 14 Oct. 2011. .

"Pentagon Warns China's Military Is Growing Rapidly | Fox News." Fox News - Breaking News Updates | Latest News Headlines | Photos & News Videos. Associated Press, 24 Aug. 2011. Web. 14 Oct. 2011. .

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