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China is resolutely aiming to take the lead as the world's next superpower. With concrete plans already in motion, President Xi Jinping has openly expressed his goal for China to dominate the global stage by 2050.
Should China succeed in their ambitions, the world as we know it will be drastically altered, perhaps even in our lifetimes. The influence of America will diminish, and for the first time, the greatest global power could shift to the People’s Republic of China.
We don’t have to guess about what this new world order might look like. China has been transparent about its vision to reshape the world in its own image, offering a clear picture of a future where the People’s Republic of China calls the shots.
10. Africa Will Gain Increased Global Influence
China’s rise will not only benefit China itself. The global power dynamics are set to shift, with Africa emerging as a key player gaining significant influence.
Few are aware of the massive role China already plays in Africa. As the largest provider of aid to the continent, China has invested billions, with plans to increase their spending further. By 2025, they’re expected to contribute $1 trillion to Africa.
Western nations are often hesitant to invest such vast sums in a region where many countries are ruled by dictators. American aid frequently comes with strings attached, such as demands for political reform or the cessation of human rights violations—or in some cases, it’s entirely cut off depending on the political climate.
However, China shows no interest in Africa's internal politics. They’ve freely provided aid to the most repressive African leaders, as long as the deal is profitable. In fact, China reports a sixfold return on every dollar it invests in Africa.
Africa has already established itself as one of China’s closest trading allies. In return, China has actively lobbied for more African nations to join the UN, meaning as China rises, Africa will rise with it. Rather than a world simply shaped by Chinese influence, we could see a world also shaped by African influence.
9. The United States Will Fall Into A Severe Economic Depression
The United States will face a devastating blow as it loses its position as the world’s dominant superpower. Rather than gracefully stepping down into second place, it will experience a sharp and profound economic depression.
Currently, America enjoys a favorable position, largely because its currency is used in nearly all international trade. The US dollar is considered the new gold standard, providing a foundation for the stability of the American economy.
However, China is determined to dismantle America’s advantageous position. They’ve openly stated their goal of replacing the US dollar with the Chinese yuan as the dominant currency for global trade. If they succeed, the consequences for America will be severe.
The moment the dollar loses its position as the dominant currency for global trade, the United States will experience a dramatic economic downturn. In a flash, the US will see a two percent drop in its economic output. Import costs will surge, export prices will collapse, and millions will face job losses.
In the wake of such a collapse, the US may very well find itself reaching out to Africa for financial assistance.
8. The Era of World Policing Will Come to a Close
Despite some concerns, it’s unlikely that China will wield its newfound power to dominate the world and impose communism. Based on their partnerships with Africa, China appears inclined to operate with a much softer, cooperative approach.
China follows an official policy of noninterference in the internal affairs of African governments. While the US has a history of intervening in developing nations to remove dictators, China typically refrains from such actions. They’ve even continued investing in countries like Sudan and Zimbabwe, despite their human rights violations, adhering to the principle that it’s not their responsibility to police other governments.
This marks a stark contrast to the US. The role of the US military has evolved from merely protecting the nation to defending all of Europe and nearly every democratic nation across the globe.
However, China has little regard for democracy. Should their military surpass America’s in strength, we might witness the end of the era where soldiers flood into underdeveloped nations.
7. University Professors Will Be Required to Teach State-Approved Curriculum
While China may not resort to bombing less developed countries into submission, they certainly aim to influence global thought. Their approach, however, relies on what they call ‘soft power’ instead of military force.
Part of China’s strategy involves attracting students to their universities. They’ve already managed to enroll more African students than both the US and the UK combined, with a particular focus on future political leaders.
Within Chinese schools, teachers are mandated to impart state-approved ideas, emphasizing Chinese and communist values. As China ascends to superpower status, it’s highly likely they will continue this practice, now with the power to attract future politicians from around the globe.
But China's influence doesn’t stop at home. They’ve already expanded their reach to schools in other nations. With 1,500 Confucius Institutes across 140 countries, these institutions feature Chinese instructors who are specifically tasked with promoting the 'China model of development' and correcting Western misconceptions.
This means that, once China holds enough global sway, education won’t only change within their borders. Chinese state-approved teachings will be part of curricula at universities worldwide.
6. History Will Be Rewritten By Force
The Communist Party of China has made it clear that they intend to reshape history. In a public speech, President Xi Jinping announced that he is working to enhance 'international communication' in order to offer the world a 'true, multi-dimensional, and panoramic view of China.'
While this may sound like empty rhetoric, other documents from the People’s Republic make their intentions clear. China is determined to correct what they label as 'Western misconceptions' about history, aiming to replace the global narrative with their own version.
A key part of their agenda is to alter the global view of Chairman Mao, portraying him as a wise and influential leader. They aim to soften the perception that the rise of communism in China led to negative consequences and to rewrite the narrative surrounding the Tiananmen Square Massacre, casting it in a less critical light.
5. Europe’s Decline
After centuries of European dominance, we are now witnessing the decline of their global power.
Since the turn of the millennium, European power has significantly diminished, while Asia has been steadily rising. Meanwhile, China has been strengthening its alliances with countries in Asia and Africa, signaling that the global power center may be shifting towards the Eastern Hemisphere.
This shift is already impacting Europe. Many European nations, facing a decline in influence, are trying to present themselves as a united force in order to bolster their strengths.
However, if China ascends to the role of world superpower, North America and Europe may find themselves far less significant than their Eastern allies. Europeans will likely face wage reductions and the loss of luxuries as Asia and Africa continue to thrive.
4. Mainstream Films Will Become State-Sponsored Propaganda
A trip to the movies, under Chinese dominance, will feel more like attending a session at the Chinese propaganda ministry.
China has been very direct about its intentions. According to Xi Jinping, the goal is for movies in theaters to 'celebrate our Party, our country, our people, and our heroes,' while presenting China as 'a civilized place with a rich history, effective government, and a prosperous economy.'
The Chinese government has launched its own film production company to push these ideals. They're already producing films, such as The Great Wall, which stars Matt Damon.
China has also convinced other nations to alter their films in order to align with its image. For instance, the antagonist in the 2012 version of Red Dawn was changed from China to North Korea, and Looper took place in a futuristic China.
China outright rejects the notion that art should be free from state control. If their power continues to grow, they’ll succeed in ensuring that every mainstream film, regardless of where it's made, will be approved and altered by the propaganda department.
3. A Potential War Between China and The United States
China has claimed that its rise to power is 'peaceful,' but that may not last. Throughout history, no major power has ever peacefully relinquished control without some form of violent conflict, and there’s little reason to believe that the US and China will be an exception.
China is preparing for the possibility of conflict. One of Xi Jinping's key goals for 2050 is to establish a military capable of 'fighting and winning,' even in a confrontation with the United States.
It seems the United States is not content to simply let China rise without opposition. The two nations have been locked in a series of political skirmishes, tariffs, and attempts to undermine each other's power.
This escalating tension is likely to evolve into a new Cold War—or, if relations deteriorate even further, a violent confrontation where only one superpower will remain standing.
2. Taiwan Will Be Invaded
There's no way that China's rise to power will allow Taiwan to remain independent. China has been clear in its stance, with Xi Jinping declaring that no person, organization, or political group would be allowed to separate any part of Chinese territory.
If Taiwan doesn't agree to reunite, China has made it clear that they are prepared to use force the moment they have a justification. A Chinese diplomat in Washington said it plainly: 'The day a US Navy vessel arrives in Kaohsiung is the day that our People’s Liberation Army unifies Taiwan with military force.'
China has also indicated that they would go to war if Taiwan declares independence, with no regard for whether anyone else supports them.
The only thing holding China back now is the realization that a war with the US would be catastrophic. However, if China solidifies its position as the global superpower, Taiwan’s only option may be to surrender peacefully.
1. Japan Will Be Cut Out Of International Society
"No country feels China's rise more acutely than Japan," says Sheila A. Smith of the Council on Foreign Relations. As China ascends, Japan's fate is closely tied to it—either Japan will have to bow to China's dominance or be left behind.
China still holds a grudge against Japan for the atrocities committed during World War II, partly because Japan has never fully atoned for them. These past actions remain a significant part of Chinese propaganda, continually reminding citizens of Japan as an adversary.
Despite Japan's resistance in various disputes with China, it faces an uphill battle. If Japan doesn't comply with China's demands, it could struggle once China solidifies its control. China has already attempted to reduce Japan's influence in the UN, with their state-run news agency, Xinhua, suggesting that Japan must change its stance on history if it wants a greater role in the international body.
When China secures its place as the global leader, it won't need to make threats. It will simply be able to exclude Japan from the global stage altogether.
