What Matters: Military Might or Economic Might?

As children we often have this idea that if we become stronger than people will take us more serious. When we’re in a school playground all we want is power. But, power comes in different shapes and forms. For a student in the playground ‘power’ might mean having an aura of intimidation so others don’t bother them. Countries are no exception to this belief. Military force is one of the tactics countries use to demonstrate their strength. Everyone wants to feel a sense of superiority from others. And recently with China’s economic wealth has permitted the country to increase their military spending.

China’s economic rise has given China the opportunity to increase their military spending alongside a growing GDP. This military might remains an important piece of China’s foreign policy puzzle because the People’s Liberation Army is still influential in foreign affairs. Henceforth, the discussion of China’s military might is in direct correlation with its economic miracle. As China continues to generate wealth so will they continue to promote their military ambitions.  

You may be asking yourself, why is this important? Remembering on my past post, I discussed that China has been a victim of aggression. Traditionally the threat came from the inland territories of China; such as, the Mongols who kept invading China. However, later as the West started to invade China in unconventional methods it left China vulnerable for the next century. In response to these historical invasions China has learned to adapt and realized the importance of building up their defense and offensives. Thus, you have modern China’s desire for military built up to fend off future conflicts. For example, territorial disputes in Xinjiang, Tibet, Taiwan, and the China Sea.

At this point you may be asking yourself, with so much territorial conflict in China, is China more prone to be an aggressive country? The answer is hard to say, but looking at China’s rhetoric they are committed to a harmonious coexistence. Especially when it is related to their economic progress. Therefore, China is not only concerned about territorial integrity but also trading capabilities. China’s increasing military might is often rationalized as means to protect their trading interest in the South China Sea.

Despite that China is perfectly aware of their growing domestic turbulence, they will not upset market forces from halting their economic development. However, any threat that undermines Chinese sovereignty could lead to military confrontation. For example, the uprisings in Tibet and Xinjiang in the last decade have been dealt with military intervention. China has highlighted its commitment to protect their borders because protecting them is a means to secure the regime. Moreover, territorial integrity means national unification and reinforces the government’s authority.

Should the world be fearful? China says no, that’s crazy! Many analysts argue that Beijing remains careful and pragmatic. Meaning that although China spends a lot of money on the military budget it still favors economic progress over anything else. Since China rather not upset the environment within which it is thriving in it won’t openly disturb the global arena. Just like the kid in the playground his ambitions are not to start fights, but more like avoid fights with other people. So this should calm everyone’s nerves: China isn’t trying to take over the world (just yet).