China is Dependent on The United States, Not the Other Way Around, Cry About It
Swich
If you get triggered by this title, you might want to think about your biases and whether you absorb Chinese propaganda like a sponge. Tons of people are able to easily ignore what they call “American propaganda,” but then eat up every single piece of Chinese and Russian propaganda they see.
China is often portrayed as a rising superpower that is destined to overtake the United States and other Western nations in terms of economic, political, and military power. However, a closer examination of the facts reveals that China is in fact heavily dependent on the United States and the rest of the world for its continued growth and prosperity. In this article, we will explore the various ways in which China is dependent on the United States and the world, and the implications of this dependence for the future of the global economy and international relations.
The Myth of China's Technological Prowess
It’s not much of on exaggeration to say that China has almost zero technological innovation, even in manufacturing. This doesn’t mean that there are zero Chinese companies that are industry leaders.
The only thing China is genuinely dominant in is low-end manufacturing, which is the easiest to move elsewhere. The on-shoring and friend-shoring is already happening at an extremely fast pace. People are still thinking of things that applied a century ago. You can’t ignore technology/innovation curves. The next “industrial revolution” won’t be the same as the last one. That’s not how technological progress works.
The results prove this. The United States just practically destroyed much of China’s semiconductor industry with a super small softball policy they put in place that only applies to higher-end chips. Even in manufacturing, the thing they’re supposedly dominant in, can’t really be done with new and high-end technology from the west. The small amount of manufacturing capability they do have in this area is completely reliant on Western staff, equipment, and design (that they have no way of replacing… ever) from the west to operate.
Economic Dependence
One of the most significant ways in which China is dependent on the United States and the world is through its economy. Despite its rapid economic growth in recent decades, China is still heavily dependent on exports to fuel its economy. In fact, exports account for around 20% of China’s GDP, and the United States is China’s largest export market, accounting for around 18% of China’s total exports.
This dependence on exports has led China to become heavily dependent on the United States and other Western nations for its economic growth. In addition to exporting goods to these countries, China also relies on foreign investment, technology transfer, and access to global markets to continue its economic growth.
Furthermore, China is also heavily dependent on the United States and other Western nations for its imports. China imports large quantities of food, energy, raw materials, technology, and advanced manufacturing equipment from the United States and other Western nations to support its economic growth. This dependence on imports has led China to become increasingly vulnerable to disruptions in the global supply chain, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which has highlighted China’s dependence on the rest of the world for its economic stability.
Political Dependence
Another way in which China is dependent on the United States and the world is through its political system. Despite its authoritarian government, China is heavily dependent on the support and cooperation of other countries to maintain its stability and legitimacy.
China’s dependence on the support and cooperation of other countries is particularly evident in its relationship with the United States. The United States is China’s largest trading partner and a major source of foreign investment and technology transfer. As a result, China is heavily dependent on the United States to maintain its economic growth and stability.
In addition to its dependence on the United States, China is also dependent on the support and cooperation of other countries in the international community. China is a member of the United Nations and participates in a wide range of international organizations and forums, such as the World Trade Organization and the G-20. China relies on the support and cooperation of other countries in these organizations to advance its economic and political interests.
Military Dependence
China’s military is one of the most powerful in the world, but still nowhere near the level of the US or even Japan, especially their navy. The Chinese military is also heavily dependent on the United States and other countries. China relies on the United States and other countries for access to advanced military technology and equipment, such as aircraft and warships. China also relies on the United States and other countries for access to advanced training and education for its military personnel.
In addition, China is dependent on the United States and other countries for its strategic deterrent. China’s nuclear arsenal is relatively small compared to that of the United States and other nuclear-armed countries, and China relies on the threat of nuclear retaliation to deter potential aggressors. China is also still reliant on the US to provide safe global trade.
China’s military dependence on the United States and other countries has important implications for its ability to project power and influence internationally. Despite its growing military capabilities, China’s dependence on foreign technology and training limits its ability to assert itself as a dominant military power in the region and the world.
Implications for the Future
China’s dependence on the United States and the rest of the world has important implications for the future of the global economy and international relations.
Firstly, it means that the United States and other Western nations have significant leverage over China in economic and political negotiations. The United States and other Western nations can use this leverage to shape China’s economic and political policies, as well as to advance their own economic and strategic interests.
Secondly, China’s dependence on the rest of the world also means that it’s more vulnerable to global economic and political disruptions. Disruptions in the global supply chain, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, can have a significant impact on China’s economy and stability.
Thirdly, China’s dependence on the United States and other countries for its military technology and strategic deterrent means that it’s unlikely to become a dominant military power in the region and the world. This could have important implications for the balance of power in the region and the world.
Conclusion
Despite its growing economic, political, and military power, China is heavily dependent on the United States and the rest of the world for its continued growth and prosperity. This dependence has important implications for the future of the global economy and international relations. This isn’t even mentioning China’s demographic collapse which is enough to destroy the country and economy on its own. It’s important for policymakers and the general public to understand China’s dependence on the United States and the world in order to make informed decisions about the future of the global economy and international relations.