How China Became a Superpower

Author & Reseacher: Zabih hijran

China’s emergence as a global superpower is one of the most significant geopolitical shifts of the 21st century. From a war-torn, isolated country in the mid-20th century to an economic and political powerhouse today, China’s ascent is the result of strategic reforms, focused leadership, and adaptation to a rapidly changing global environment. The story of how China became a superpower can be traced back to the late 1970s, when the country embarked on a series of monumental changes under the leadership of Deng Xiaoping, which transformed its economy and, ultimately, its position in the world.

The Economic Reforms of the Late 1970s

The turning point for China came in 1978 when Deng Xiaoping, the paramount leader of the Communist Party, initiated the “Open Door” policy that gradually opened China’s doors to international markets. Prior to this, China’s economy was largely closed off to the world, characterized by centralized, state-controlled planning under Mao Zedong. The economy was stagnant, and the country was recovering from the devastation of the Cultural Revolution.

Deng’s reforms were designed to modernize China’s economy and improve living standards. The first steps included the decollectivization of agriculture, where farmers were allowed to lease land and sell their produce on the open market. This led to a dramatic increase in agricultural productivity, improving the lives of millions of rural Chinese citizens. Subsequently, China began to allow foreign direct investment (FDI) and opened up special economic zones (SEZs) like Shenzhen, which became hotbeds of manufacturing and innovation.

The economic shift was gradual but transformative. In the 1980s and 1990s, China’s economy began to grow at unprecedented rates, fueled by manufacturing and exports. The country became a global manufacturing hub, leveraging its vast population and low labor costs. This phase of rapid industrialization was instrumental in lifting hundreds of millions of Chinese citizens out of poverty and setting the stage for China’s growing influence on the world stage.

Joining the Global Market

China’s official entry into the global market came with its accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001. This milestone marked China’s formal integration into the world economy and opened the floodgates for international trade. In exchange for joining the WTO, China made numerous commitments to reduce tariffs, open up its markets to foreign goods and services, and adhere to international trade regulations. These reforms further integrated China into global supply chains, making it a vital player in international trade.

By the early 2000s, China was positioned as the “world’s factory,” exporting vast quantities of manufactured goods worldwide. Its manufacturing sector, along with a growing consumer market, became essential to global economies, and the country’s foreign exchange reserves swelled as it became a major lender and creditor to other countries. The Chinese economy was now the second largest in the world, trailing only the United States.

Technological and Industrial Advancement

In 2013, Chinese President Xi Jinping launched the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a global infrastructure development strategy aimed at enhancing trade and investment flows between China and over 140 countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, and beyond. The initiative seeks to build transportation and energy infrastructure that connects China to the rest of the world, creating new trade routes and reinforcing China’s economic influence. Through the BRI, China has significantly expanded its global presence, increasing its influence in regions previously dominated by Western powers.

The BRI has made China the focal point of international trade, positioning it as a leader in infrastructure development, particularly in developing countries. The initiative has also enabled China to form strategic alliances and partnerships, increasing its geopolitical clout.

Nevertheless, China’s trajectory as a superpower seems secure, as it continues to build on its economic strength, technological advancements, and growing political influence. The next chapter in China’s rise will be defined by how it navigates these challenges while continuing to expand its global reach.

Conclusion

China’s transformation from an impoverished nation to a superpower is a result of deliberate, long-term planning, economic reforms, and an unwavering commitment to modernization. Through strategic investments in infrastructure, technology, and international partnerships, China has positioned itself as a dominant force in global politics and economics. As it continues to expand its influence, the world will closely watch China’s next steps in its journey to becoming the undisputed leader of the 21st century.