China: Strengths and Weaknesses in the New World Order

Abstract

This study offers an in-depth analytical examination of China, reviewing its rich history from ancient civilizations to the rise of the Communist Party in 1949, emphasizing the necessity of understanding its historical context. The text highlights China's strengths, which include comprehensive infrastructure modernization, technological advancements in robotics, nuclear energy, and the space industry, as well as its growing military capabilities. Furthermore, it underscores China's immense and hardworking human capital, which fuels its production and economic progress.
Despite these strengths, the text sheds light on China's weaknesses. These primarily include challenges in population management, human rights issues concerning peoples like the Uyghurs and Tibetans, and its policies towards Hong Kong and Taiwan. It also points to problems of corruption in the public sector, harsh working conditions, and Western attempts to exploit these points to pressure the Chinese system. The text also discusses China's nuclear history, from its first tests in 1964 to its signing of arms control treaties, while noting suspicions regarding continued secret biological experiments.
The text discusses China's expansionist influence, describing it as a "new economic colonialism" through loan agreements provided to developing nations for infrastructure projects. This approach could potentially lead to China seizing assets and imposing sovereign control if these countries default on payments. It highlights the Belt and Road Initiative as an expression of China's global economic ambition and how this project faces challenges and pressures from the West.
The text concludes with a specific perspective for Iraq, asserting that China is an economic friend but urging Iraq to avoid blind sympathy. Instead, it advocates adopting a perspective based on mutual interests. It stresses the necessity for Iraq to seriously study China's strengths and weaknesses to enable effective engagement amidst the accelerating conflict between the United States and China. Iraq must be a proactive and pre-planned actor in confronting future geopolitical influences, ensuring its national interests are secured and avoiding falling under the hegemony of any external power.