The Dragon’s Return to Global Prominence
In the 21st century, China has emerged as a central actor reshaping the global order. From a developing nation to the world’s second-largest economy, its rise is not merely economic—it is geopolitical, geoeconomic, and geostrategic.
Under Xi Jinping, Beijing has pursued a long-term strategy to challenge Western hegemony, particularly the influence of the United States, and to assert itself as a global power capable of defining international rules.
Today, China’s foreign policy is far more assertive than during the Cold War or Maoist era. It seeks to construct a multipolar world where China occupies a central position economically, militarily, and culturally, combining national sovereignty with global influence.
1. Ideological and Strategic Foundations of Contemporary Chinese Geopolitics
Understanding China’s modern geopolitics requires examining the “Chinese Dream” (Zhongguo Meng), announced by Xi Jinping in 2013. This concept revolves around the “great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation”, restoring China to its historical status as a central global power after the “century of humiliation” (1839–1949).
Xi’s strategic vision rests on three pillars:
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Confucian continuity – social stability and internal cohesion are prerequisites for external strength.
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Pragmatic nationalism – economic prosperity and military power safeguard sovereignty.
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Patient, long-term planning – China aims to surpass the West not through conflict but through strategic perseverance and diplomacy.
2. Geopolitical Goals: Sovereignty, Security, and Regional Influence
2.1. Sovereignty as a Core Principle
Protecting territorial integrity is central to China’s foreign policy. Beijing views regions such as Taiwan, Tibet, Xinjiang, and Hong Kong as non-negotiable, both symbolically and strategically.
Taiwan represents the most sensitive issue. For Xi, reunification is a non-negotiable goal, as control over Taiwan would secure access to the South China Sea, opening strategic pathways to the Pacific and undermining the US containment strategy.
2.2. Regional Dominance in East Asia
China aims to establish hegemonic influence in East Asia, gradually replacing U.S. dominance. This goal is pursued through economic leverage and targeted military pressure.
In the South China Sea, Beijing has constructed artificial islands, naval bases, and missile installations, asserting control over disputed territories. This ensures protection of vital shipping lanes and signals China’s military and economic supremacy in the region.
Simultaneously, China strengthens ties with North Korea, Pakistan, and ASEAN countries, positioning itself as a strategic alternative to Western influence.
3. Geoeconomic Objectives: Belt and Road, Technology, and Global Finance
3.1. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)
Launched in 2013, the Belt and Road Initiative is the largest infrastructure and investment project in modern history, encompassing over 140 countries. It includes ports, railways, highways, pipelines, and digital networks, creating a global economic network centered on China.
The initiative’s objectives are twofold:
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Integrate Eurasian economies under China’s leadership.
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Build structural dependency of partner countries, using economic infrastructure as a tool of geopolitical influence.
BRI thus serves both economic and strategic purposes, consolidating China’s role as a central hub of global trade.
3.2. Transition from Manufacturing to Technological Leadership
While China has long been the “world’s factory,” today it seeks to dominate high-tech sectors. Programs such as Made in China 2025 aim at leadership in artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology, semiconductors, renewable energy, and space.
Control over these sectors ensures economic growth and strategic autonomy, reducing dependence on Western technologies. The US-China competition in semiconductors and AI illustrates how geoeconomics and geopolitics are inseparable.
3.3. The Digital Yuan and Financial Strategy
China’s digital currency (e-CNY) is a groundbreaking tool aimed at reducing reliance on the US dollar and expanding China’s financial influence globally. Integrated with platforms like Alipay and WeChat Pay, it creates a parallel financial ecosystem and bypasses Western-controlled financial networks like SWIFT.
This initiative strengthens China’s geoeconomic leverage, offering Beijing influence over global trade and international finance.
4. Geostrategic Goals: Military Power and Global Reach
4.1. Maritime Expansion and Naval Ambitions
China has modernized its military, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), focusing on maritime capabilities to project power and control global trade routes.
The “Chinese Dream of a Strong Navy” seeks global naval presence by 2049. Expansion includes aircraft carriers, nuclear submarines, and overseas bases like Djibouti, ensuring China’s ability to secure maritime routes and protect overseas interests.
4.2. Strategic Infrastructure Control
Through BRI investments, China controls strategic ports and trade hubs: from Piraeus in Greece to Gwadar in Pakistan, as well as ports in Africa and the Middle East.
These infrastructures, while commercial on the surface, function as a global geostrategic network, providing access to resources, political influence, and potential military logistics. The “String of Pearls” in the Indian Ocean exemplifies China’s strategic maritime approach.
4.3. Space and Cyber Dominance
China treats space and cyberspace as strategic domains. The BeiDou navigation system, along with satellite technology and cyber infrastructure, reduces dependence on Western systems.
Additionally, China has developed advanced cyber capabilities to conduct operations and secure internal digital control. The integration of cyber power and strategic planning is a defining feature of China’s geostrategy.
5. China-US Rivalry: A New Cold War in the 21st Century
The China-US competition defines global dynamics. It is not a conventional war but a systemic rivalry spanning economics, technology, military, and ideology.
The US criticizes China for unfair trade practices, IP theft, and digital authoritarianism, while Beijing frames US actions as containment and champions a multipolar global order.
The rivalry manifests in:
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Technology: semiconductor control, AI, and 5G networks.
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Maritime dominance: South China Sea and Taiwan Strait.
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Ideology: liberal democracy versus efficient authoritarianism.
This emerging “New Cold War” reshapes Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Europe.
6. Internal Challenges and Long-term Risks
Despite its strength, China faces structural challenges that could limit its geopolitical ascent:
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Economic slowdown and real estate crises.
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Aging population and shrinking workforce.
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Residual technological dependence in critical sectors.
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Diplomatic isolation due to assertive or aggressive policies.
However, China’s capacity for long-term planning and adaptability remains a key strength. Xi Jinping’s roadmap extends to 2049, with milestones in modernization and national rejuvenation.
Conclusion: China Between Hegemony and Global Balance
China’s contemporary geopolitics combine ambition and prudence, tradition and innovation. Beijing does not merely compete with the West; it seeks to reshape the world according to Chinese logic, based on economic interconnection, state centrality, and political stability.
China represents the most profound systemic challenge of the 21st century, not only for its demographic and economic potential but for proposing an alternative modernity model.
The outcome of this strategic contest—between multipolarity and renewed bipolarity—will determine the future of global order. History suggests that rising powers inevitably challenge existing hegemons; in the 21st century, we may witness the transition from American dominance to the Chinese century.
SEO Keywords Integrated Naturally:
China geopolitics, Xi Jinping strategy, Belt and Road Initiative, China-US rivalry, global power projection, geoeconomic strategy China, Asian dominance, multipolar world order, Chinese Dream, 21st century superpower.
Meta Description (SEO):
A comprehensive analysis of China’s geopolitics: Xi Jinping’s strategic goals, the Belt and Road Initiative, and China’s geoeconomic and geostrategic influence in a multipolar world.