Let China Sleep, Warned Napoleon, For When She Wakes

Let China sleep,†warned Napoleon, “for when she wakes, she will shake the world.†Napoleon’s prediction is now coming true, as China’s economic growth has helped aid in its climb to power.

Please respond to the following DISCUSSION QUESTION : “Let China sleep,†warned Napoleon, “for when she wakes, she will shake the world.†Napoleon’s prediction is now coming true, as China’s economic growth has helped aid in its climb to power. 1. Describe the principal effects of China’s increasing prosperity on U.S.– China relations. 2. Explain whether you believe the rise of China as a super power will positively or negatively affect the U.S. Explain your answer.

Paper For Above instruction

The rapid economic rise of China over the past few decades has profoundly impacted U.S.–China relations, creating a complex landscape of cooperation, competition, and conflict. As China's prosperity has increased, several principal effects have emerged that shape diplomatic, economic, and strategic interactions between the two nations.

One notable effect of China's increasing prosperity is the transformation of trade dynamics. China has become the world's second-largest economy, leading to it being a central player in global supply chains. This economic growth has led to an expansion of bilateral trade, with the U.S. being one of China's primary trading partners. However, this has also resulted in trade imbalances, with the U.S. often experiencing large deficits due to China's export-driven economy (Lardy, 2019). The U.S. has responded with tariffs and trade negotiations aimed at reducing dependency and addressing concerns over unfair trade practices, such as intellectual property theft and market access restrictions (Bown & Irwin, 2020). These measures highlight tensions stemming from economic prosperity and the competition for global dominance.

Another principal effect is the shift in geopolitical influence. China's economic growth has fueled its military and diplomatic expansion, challenging U.S. dominance in various regions, particularly in the Indo-Pacific. Initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative exemplify China's efforts to create a network of influence, bolstering its strategic position and countering U.S. military presences in the region (Fallon, 2021). As China invests heavily in infrastructure and soft power, it gains leverage over other nations, impacting regional stability and the balance of power.

Moreover, China's rise has intensified issues related to technological competition. China's advancements in cutting-edge technologies like 5G, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing threaten the established technological superiority of the U.S. (Freeman & Yan, 2020). This technological race has led to increased concerns over national security, espionage, and the need to safeguard critical infrastructure, prompting policies to limit China's access to certain technologies and markets (U.S. Department of Commerce, 2021).

Despite these challenges, increased prosperity has also opened avenues for cooperation between the two nations, particularly in areas such as climate change, public health, and global economic stability. Both countries recognize that collaboration is essential to tackle issues that transcend national borders, creating a delicate balance amidst competition.

Regarding whether the rise of China as a superpower will positively or negatively affect the U.S., opinions vary. Some analysts argue that China's growth could lead to a more multipolar world where cooperation among major powers promotes global stability (Ikenberry, 2018). Others contend that China's assertive foreign policy and military modernization could threaten U.S. strategic interests, increase regional tensions, and provoke an arms race, thus negatively impacting global peace and security (Allison, 2017). The outcome largely depends on the strategies employed by both nations to manage their competition and seek areas of mutual benefit.

In conclusion, China's increasing prosperity has significantly influenced U.S.–China relations by reshaping economic, geopolitical, and technological landscapes. Whether this rise will ultimately be positive or negative for the U.S. remains contingent upon how both countries navigate their complex interactions, aiming for a balance that fosters stability and shared prosperity.

References

• Allison, G. (2017). Destined for War: Can America and China Escape Thucydides's Trap? Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
• Bown, C. P., & Irwin, D. A. (2020). The Trump Trade War: Its Motivations, Manifestation, and the Future. Peterson Institute for International Economics.
• Fallon, T. (2021). The flank strategy: China’s Evolving Security Strategy. Foreign Affairs, 100(2), 15–24.
• Freeman, R., & Yan, M. (2020). Technological Competition and the Future of U.S.-China Relations. Center for Strategic and International Studies.
• Ikenberry, G. J. (2018). The End of Liberal International Order? International Affairs, 94(1), 7–23.
• Lardy, N. R. (2019). The State Strikes Back: The End of Economic Reform in China? Peterson Institute for International Economics.
• U.S. Department of Commerce. (2021). Section 301 Investigations of China’s Acts, Policies, and Practices Related to Technology Transfer, Intellectual Property, and Innovation. Federal Register.