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联合民主国家
About China's Economic Rise: A Reflection on Innovation and Global Influence
China's remarkable economic transformation and its emergence as a global power are undeniable. As a nation, we admire China's peaceful advancement and its impressive economic growth, which has brought prosperity to over a billion citizens. However, understanding the nuances of this growth requires a deeper look at the historical context and the methodologies employed.
CHINA'S COPY-PASTE METHODOLOGY
I recall an experience from 1985 when my company received an inquiry from China regarding the purchase of 40 cutter dredgers. After extensive quotations and technical specifications, the order was reduced to a single dredger, making the project unviable for us. This episode highlighted China's strategic approach to acquiring technical expertise, a strategy that some might characterize as a "copy-paste" methodology aimed at rapidly building domestic capabilities.
Indeed, China's economic ascent has been significantly aided by learning from Western technologies and engineering practices. The influx of Western companies establishing factories in China to capitalize on lower production and labor costs inadvertently facilitated the transfer of knowledge. Through these investments, as well as advancements in Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan, China gained invaluable insights into Western innovations.
This "copy-paste" approach, while debated, undoubtedly played a crucial role in accelerating China's economic development. It enabled them to provide a level of development to their vast population that would have been impossible for the West to offer directly, given the sheer scale of investment required. China serves as a compelling example of a nation achieving significant progress through strategic adaptation and learning.
CHINA'S TODAY WESTERN ENGINEERING CAPABILITIES
Today, China has evolved beyond simple replication and has established its own engineering and source centers. It now develops its own technologies, often surprising the world with innovative solutions. While the origins of many of these technologies can be traced back to Europe and the United States, the advancements and improvements made by China are significant.
Consider the example of electric vehicles. Tesla pioneered the technology, but China rapidly adapted and improved upon it. Currently, German car manufacturers are spearheading the development of hydrogen cars, and it is likely that China will follow suit, further demonstrating their capacity for rapid innovation and adaptation.
It is essential to acknowledge that the foundations of China's industrial revolution and technological advancements are rooted in European innovations. China's success is not solely attributable to the legacy of its historical empire but rather to its effective integration into the modern world of science, engineering, and technology – a modern world largely shaped and developed through Europe This integration has not only elevated China but has also contributed to raising living standards and pushing global progress to new heights.
China's Double Tongue about being a Peaceful Nation with Respect for other Independent Nations.
China's international relations present a complex and often contradictory picture, leading some to perceive a double-tongued approach to global affairs. On one hand, China professes a commitment to peaceful development and global cooperation, while on the other, its actions and alliances suggest a different set of priorities.
CHINA'S TRUE FACE OF RESPECT FOR OTHER STATES SOVEREIGNTY
The independent, self-governing state of Taiwan remains an issue and central point of contention. China insists on reunification, by force if necessary, while simultaneously supporting Russia's justification for its actions in Ukraine, where separatists in Donetsk and Luhansk seek self-governance and independence. This apparent contradiction raises questions about China's commitment to national sovereignty and territorial integrity as universally applied principles.
China actively cultivates an image of a peaceful and friendly nation, eager to engage in mutually beneficial partnerships. However, its establishment of the BRICS economic bloc, with the inclusion of countries like Iran, Uzbekistan, Russia, Belarus, and Ethiopia, raises concerns. These nations, facing accusations of authoritarianism, terrorism, dictatorship or state failure, cast a shadow on China's claim to promote a rules-based international order based on peacefull principles.
In fact, the BRICS union is at war with itself. Russia is an authocracy at war with Ukraine, Belarus is a plain dictatorship, Iran is an authocracy at war with Israel, Uzbekistan is an authocracy with widely spread suppression of its population, and Ethiopia is at civil war. That are the friends and alliances of China, a precursor of where it stands for.
Despite its rhetoric of peace, China's actions in the South China Sea tell a different story. Its territorial claims and assertive behavior towards Taiwan, the Philippines, and other neighboring countries contradict its peaceful image.
Similarly, its vocal support for Palestine, while remaining conspicuously silent on Ukraine, highlights a selective application of its principles.
CHINA, A NOVEL COLONIZATION OF AFRICA
China's economic activities further fuel these concerns. While presenting itself as a benign partner, it maintains close economic ties with many African dictatorships and failed states, from which it sources oil, minerals, and other resources to fuel its manufacturing engine in China. This pursuit of economic growth often comes at the expense of environmental concerns and human rights in these resource-rich nations. It also conflicts with the African Union's efforts, that suspended some of them.
Furthermore, China's engagement with developing countries in Africa and South America has been criticized as exploitative. Through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and BRICS-led development projects, China provides loans for infrastructure development, solely executed by Chinese contractors. This arrangement raises concerns about debt sustainability, transparency, and genuine local development, as recipient countries are often left burdened with debt while Chinese entities reap the benefits. In effect, critics argue, China profits twice: once through its loan interest and again through the earnings of its state-owned contractors. In this way African nations pay China TWICE for the same project.!
In conclusion, while China actively promotes an image of peaceful development and global cooperation, its actions and alliances raise arguablw questions about its true intentions. Its stance on Taiwan, its support for Russia, its economic relationships with autocratic and dictorial regimes, and its engagement with developing nations all contribute to the perception of a nation speaking with a double tongue, pursuing its own interests under the guise of global harmony.
What does United Democracies do differently?
The United Democracies distinguish themselves from China or BRICS through a commitment to democratic values and a unique funding model. Unlike BRICS, which includes nations with varying political systems, the United Democracies specifically exclude authoritarian states, conflict zones, and dictatorships, focusing solely on established and developing democracies.
This commitment to democratic principles fosters a shared understanding and trust among members, facilitating smoother collaboration and more effective governance. Furthermore, the proposed funding mechanism sets the United Democracies apart. By requiring each member state to contribute 1% of its GDP (potentially achievable through reduced military spending), the forum could generate a substantial $400 billion annually for its New Investment Bank.
This level of funding surpasses existing Chinese Belt and Road initiatives and BRICS investment programs, creating immense opportunities for economic growth and development within the democratic bloc. This economic engine, coupled with a foundation of shared democratic values, positions the United Democracies as a powerful force for global stability and prosperity.
