Arguments about China’s rapid rise from a relatively undeveloped, low-population, and militarily disorganised state to its current state threaten the West economically and militarily and pose a further threat through potential autocratic influence.

Economic rivalry – China has a booming export industry, which has been seized on by most of the West. The lower costs mean that often traditional domestic producers in the West are priced out – resulting in deindustrialised areas like America’s Rust Belt. Some say being reliant on one country for so many imports is dangerous, leaving the West vulnerable. China also controls much of the world’s known reserves of rare earth minerals and metals, which are key for many technology products.

Military might – China’s “People’s Liberation Army” is one of the largest militaries in the world, and President Xi Jinping has consistently promoted military development. The language around invading neighbouring Taiwan also concerns many in the West. Friendly relations with Russia also worry many, who fear collaboration with China may harm the West with cyber-attacks. 

Friendly relations with Russia also worry many, who fear collaboration with China may harm the West with cyber-attacks. 

Anti-Democracy – The one-party rule in China represses political opposition and maximises the control that a few key people have over the country. While many in China do not approve of this system, some young people in democratic middle-income countries are also beginning to express more favourable views towards authoritarianism and autocracy. Many in the West think this is threatening the mission of democratic rule and liberalism.

Some people see China as an opportunity to build harmonious and mutually beneficial relationships with an important state. Some also suggest that China will take longer than expected, if ever, to overtake the US economic power due to its domestic issues. 

Economics – While China is close behind the US in terms of overall GDP, it is further behind in terms of GDP per capita. Economic cooperation is also an option for the West’s relations with China, similar to Nigeria and Russia’s cooperation, where key investments and trade are involved. However, the West is turning to protectionism, favouring domestic business over international ties, perhaps because they perceive China as a greater threat than it is.

Military disorganisation - Some experts point out that while China invests a huge sum of money in its military every year, its leadership and organisation lag behind those of the West, especially NATO powers. Recent corruption scandals support this argument, with cadres within the PLA not expressing shortcomings.

While China is close behind the US in terms of overall GDP, it is further behind in terms of GDP per capita.

Demographics - While China does have a huge working-age population, this is forecast to plummet in the coming decades. Due to a low fertility rate, the proportion of working people per retired person will drop steadily, with a significant negative impact on economic development. The global population increase is shifting to other areas, with 10% of all births predicted to come from Nigeria by 2050.