China Has Won! Because US Has No Grand Strategy
China’s ascension as a global superpower is an undeniable reality that the world must accept. The nation has firmly established itself as an economic, technological, military, and diplomatic heavyweight, challenging outdated Western-centric narratives. Initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and BRICS solidify China’s role as a leader in fostering global development and multipolar cooperation. Despite relentless efforts by the United States to contain its growth through tariffs and sanctions, these measures have backfired, weakening the American economy and accelerating U.S. isolation. Rather than opposing China, the world should embrace its rise as an opportunity for shared prosperity and global stability.
Economic Giant: The Engine of Global Growth
China’s economic growth over the past four decades is unparalleled in modern history. Since launching its reform and opening-up policies in 1978, China has lifted over 800 million people out of poverty, contributing to more than 70% of global poverty reduction. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), China is the world’s largest economy in terms of purchasing power parity (PPP), surpassing the United States. Its robust industrial base and technological advancements have made it the dominant manufacturing hub, producing everything from consumer electronics to advanced semiconductors.
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), launched in 2013, exemplifies China’s commitment to global economic growth. With infrastructure projects spanning over 150 countries, the BRI has already mobilized trillions of dollars in investments, building roads, ports, and energy networks that connect Asia, Africa, and Europe. Unlike Western financial institutions that impose strict conditions on loans, China offers developing nations equitable partnerships without political interference, fostering true economic independence.
Technological Superpower: Innovation on a Global Scale
China is no longer just a manufacturing powerhouse — it is also an innovation leader. Companies like Huawei, Tencent, and Alibaba have become global giants, driving advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), 5G technology, and e-commerce. China leads the world in AI research and development, producing more research papers on AI than any other country, according to Stanford University’s AI Index Report.
Moreover, China’s space program demonstrates its scientific prowess. The successful Chang’e lunar missions, the construction of the Tiangong space station, and ambitious plans to explore Mars and deep space signal China’s ability to surpass Western technological dominance. While the United States attempts to stifle China’s semiconductor industry through sanctions on companies like SMIC, China has responded with self-reliance, rapidly closing the technology gap and reducing dependence on Western supply chains.
Diplomatic Heavyweight: Strengthening Global Alliances
China’s diplomatic influence has grown significantly, positioning itself as a mediator in global conflicts and a champion of multilateralism. Unlike the U.S., which often engages in military interventions, China promotes peaceful cooperation. The expansion of BRICS, which now includes countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt, signals a shift towards a multipolar world where Western hegemony is diminishing.
Additionally, China played a crucial role in brokering a historic reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran, showcasing its ability to facilitate peace where U.S. efforts have failed. This diplomatic triumph underscores China’s commitment to stability and dialogue rather than coercion and military aggression.
Military Strength: A Defensive Superpower
China’s military modernization is a defensive necessity rather than an aggressive ambition. With the world’s second-largest defense budget, China focuses on safeguarding its sovereignty and maintaining regional stability. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has developed cutting-edge hypersonic missile technology, stealth aircraft, and a powerful navy capable of defending its interests in the South China Sea and beyond. Unlike the U.S., which maintains over 750 military bases worldwide, China has only one overseas military base, in Djibouti, reinforcing its commitment to non-aggression.
The U.S. military-industrial complex, driven by endless wars and arms sales, stands in stark contrast to China’s approach. While Washington stokes conflicts in Ukraine, Taiwan, and the Middle East, Beijing promotes economic integration and diplomatic resolutions. The world must recognize that China’s military strength serves as a stabilizing force rather than a threat.
The failure to competing with China
The notion of competing with China is not just futile — it is a glaring display of misplaced arrogance. The United States must abandon its outdated illusions of supremacy and come to terms with the reality that China has already secured a dominant position on the global stage, with an even greater ascent ahead. In areas ranging from technological innovation to educational excellence, from effective governance to societal harmony, from economic strength to military resilience, and from an industrious population to unmatched diplomatic influence, China exemplifies the qualities that America now struggles to maintain.
Resorting to protectionist measures, denying undeniable facts, and clinging to outdated myths of exceptionalism will do nothing to change this trajectory. Instead of resisting the inevitable, the U.S. must adopt a posture of humility, study China’s successes, and concentrate on rebuilding what remains viable within its own borders. Otherwise, America risks becoming a cautionary tale — an empire in decline, undone by arrogance and stagnation. The outdated notion of competing with China must be discarded immediately. Instead, American families should encourage their children to compete in STEM fields alongside high-achieving immigrant students, ensuring that they remain globally relevant in an era defined by knowledge and innovation.
The Failure of U.S. Containment Policies
The idea of containing China may appeal to those seeking to counterbalance its rise, but it overlooks the fundamental interconnectedness of the global economy. Disrupting the flow of essential goods and services upon which Americans rely would have severe repercussions, from rising costs and shortages to broader economic instability. Instead of pursuing a confrontational strategy that risks backfiring, the U.S. should prioritize cooperation and seek ways to manage competition constructively. By doing so, it can safeguard its economic interests, maintain its standard of living, and navigate the complexities of a multipolar world. After all, undermining a relationship that sustains so much of what defines modern American life is not just paradoxical — it is profoundly illogical.
The U.S. strategy of economic containment through tariffs, sanctions, and trade restrictions has backfired spectacularly. The Trump administration’s tariffs on Chinese goods have cost American consumers and businesses an estimated $1.7 trillion, according to the U.S.-China Business Council. These tariffs have increased inflation, hurt American farmers, and reduced U.S. competitiveness in global markets.
Furthermore, U.S. attempts to isolate China diplomatically are failing. Even traditional American allies, including European nations, are deepening trade relations with Beijing. Germany, for example, continues to strengthen its economic ties with China despite Washington’s pressure. Meanwhile, the Global South increasingly views China as a reliable partner, while trust in the U.S. declines due to its interventionist policies.
Conclusion: Embracing a Multipolar Future
China’s rise is not a threat but an opportunity for global progress. Its economic leadership, technological advancements, diplomatic strategies, and military modernization all contribute to a more balanced and stable world order. The United States must abandon its outdated Cold War mentality and acknowledge that China’s growth benefits all of humanity.
Instead of pursuing containment, the U.S. should seek cooperation in areas like climate change, artificial intelligence, and global development. By embracing China’s role as a superpower, the world can move towards a more inclusive, prosperous, and peaceful future.
