The rise of China is a remarkable story of economic transformation, technological progress, and global influence achieved without colonization or military conquest. Unlike Western powers that expanded through imperialism, China has pursued a development path based on trade, infrastructure investment, and economic cooperation.

The Historical Context of China's Economic Rise

Historically, China was the world's largest economy, contributing approximately 25-30% of global GDP in the early 19th century. However, due to the Opium Wars (1839-1842, 1856-1860), foreign intervention, and internal turmoil, China's share of global GDP plummeted to around 2% by 1950. This period, known as the "Century of Humiliation," saw China suffer from economic stagnation and political instability.

With economic reforms initiated by Deng Xiaoping in 1978, China adopted market-oriented policies, leading to unprecedented economic growth. According to the World Bank, China's GDP grew at an average annual rate of 9.5% from 1978 to 2018, lifting more than 800 million people out of poverty. This represents the largest poverty reduction achievement in human history.

China's Approach to Development

China's development has been characterized by massive infrastructure investments, export-led industrialization, and technological innovation. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), launched in 2013, is a prime example of China's commitment to global economic cooperation. By 2021, China had invested over $1 trillion in infrastructure projects across Asia, Africa, and Europe, improving connectivity and trade routes.

Additionally, China's technological advancements have been remarkable. The country is home to leading tech firms such as Huawei, Alibaba, and Tencent. In 2020, China surpassed the United States in patent applications, filing 68,720 patents compared to the U.S.'s 59,230, according to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

The Evolution of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)

While China remains under the rule of the Communist Party, its governance and policies have undergone significant transformations. In the 1980s, personal freedoms were limited—people wore Maoist suits, had restricted travel, and faced limited career choices. Today, China boasts a thriving middle class, with over 120 million Chinese traveling abroad annually, demonstrating their economic freedom and improved quality of life.

Despite limited political liberalization, the Chinese government has prioritized economic and social stability, investing heavily in education, healthcare, and urbanization. The literacy rate has risen from 66% in 1980 to over 97% in 2020, reflecting China's emphasis on human capital development.

Western Perceptions and Misunderstandings

The Western narrative often misinterprets China's political system, assuming that economic progress necessitates Western-style democracy. However, China has followed a unique governance model that prioritizes long-term planning and economic stability. Comparisons with Russia’s post-Soviet transition highlight the dangers of sudden political changes. In the 1990s, Russia’s rapid shift to democracy resulted in economic collapse, a decline in life expectancy, and political chaos. Learning from this, Chinese leaders have opted for gradual reform, ensuring sustained economic progress.

The U.S.-China Rivalry

As China rises, the United States perceives it as a strategic competitor. The Taiwan Relations Act (1979) and the more recent Taiwan Policy Act (2022) highlight America’s commitment to countering China's influence in the Indo-Pacific. The U.S. has also sought to limit China's technological advancements through trade restrictions, such as banning semiconductor exports to Chinese firms.

Despite Western media narratives portraying China as a military threat, historical evidence suggests otherwise. Unlike Western colonial powers, China has never launched military campaigns to seize distant lands. If China had followed an imperialist path, Australia—discovered by Western explorers in the 18th century—might have been a Chinese colony instead of a British one.

The Future of Global Governance

No single country holds a monopoly on good governance. Even Western democracies struggle with political and economic challenges. The U.S. faces issues such as political polarization, economic inequality, and declining global influence. Similarly, India, the world’s largest democracy, grapples with governance inefficiencies and economic disparities.

China's rise challenges the long-held Western dominance in global affairs. For over 200 years, the leading global power has always been Western—first Britain, then the United States. For the first time, the world is witnessing a non-Western nation ascend to the number one position. This transition has generated anxiety among Western elites, leading to increased hostility toward China.

A New Era of Cooperation

China's story proves that development does not require colonization or war. Instead, economic growth can be achieved through mutual cooperation, technological innovation, and infrastructure development. If the world embraces a multipolar system where nations rise through peaceful means, global stability and prosperity can be sustained.

The future of international relations should be based on mutual respect rather than ideological superiority. If all nations commit to peaceful development and cooperation, a more just and prosperous world order can emerge.