By: Amil Imani
October 6, 2023
China’s rise as a global superpower has been accompanied by intrusive and skewed activities that profoundly impact nations worldwide. From environmental degradation and human rights abuses to trade disputes and territorial aggression, China’s actions are leaving a lasting imprint on the global stage. It is crucial to shed light on these concerning issues and the detrimental consequences they pose for the world.
Environmental Impact: A Toxic Legacy
China’s relentless pursuit of industrialization has had significant environmental consequences. The country’s status as the world’s largest emitter of carbon dioxide is just one part of the equation. Rampant industrial pollution and lax regulations have led to severe air and water pollution, posing risks to public health and ecosystems. Additionally, deforestation in China has reached alarming levels, resulting in habitat loss and soil erosion. These environmental challenges require urgent attention and action.
Human Rights: Trampled Liberties
China’s abysmal human rights record is a stain on the global community. Freedom of speech is severely curtailed, with censorship and state control over media stifling dissenting voices. Religious freedom is suppressed, with religious minorities, particularly Uighur Muslims, facing persecution and forced assimilation. Political dissidents are systematically silenced, highlighting China’s disregard for fundamental human rights and the rule of law.
Global Trade Practices: Playing Unfair
China’s trade practices have long been a cause for concern. Intellectual property theft by Chinese companies is rampant, costing other nations billions of dollars annually. The forced technology transfer policies imposed on foreign companies operating in China undermine fair competition and stifle innovation. China’s unfair subsidies to domestic industries distort global markets, putting businesses in other countries at a disadvantage. These practices have resulted in numerous conflicts in trade policies and fueled tensions between China and its trading partners.
South China Sea Dispute: A Brewing Storm
China’s aggressive territorial claims in the South China Sea threaten regional stability. China aims to assert control and expand its influence by constructing artificial islands and militarizing the region. This has sparked disputes with neighboring countries over fishing rights, maritime boundaries, and sovereignty, heightening tensions and risking potential conflicts in one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.
Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): Geopolitical Ambitions Unveiled
China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has raised concerns about debt trap diplomacy and geopolitical influence. While touted as an infrastructure development project, the BRI often leaves developing countries burdened with unsustainable debt and vulnerable to China’s economic and political leverage. The opaque nature of these projects and China’s increased geopolitical clout raise questions about the true intentions behind the initiative.
Cyber Security and Espionage: Digital Threats
China’s cyber espionage activities pose a significant risk to global security. State-sponsored hacking campaigns and intellectual property theft by Chinese actors have targeted governments, corporations, and research institutions worldwide. These cyber-attacks compromise sensitive data, undermine trust in digital systems, and disrupt international relations.
Influence Operations: Shaping Narratives
China’s extensive influence operations aim to shape narratives and control information flow. Confucius Institutes, funded by the Chinese government, have faced controversy for promoting censorship and stifling academic freedom in universities worldwide. China’s media influence and manipulation of international organizations have further expanded its soft power, enabling it to push its agenda and silence dissenting voices.
Rare Earth Minerals: A Monopoly Threat
China’s dominance in rare earth minerals production poses economic and environmental concerns. As the primary supplier of these critical resources, China holds significant leverage over industries reliant on them. However, the environmental impact of rare earth mining in China is severe, causing extensive pollution and ecological damage.
Hong Kong and Taiwan: Autonomy at Stake
China’s tightening grip on Hong Kong and Taiwan raises alarm bells about the erosion of autonomy and democratic principles. The imposition of the controversial national security law in Hong Kong has severely curtailed freedom of expression and undermined the city’s liberation. Protests demanding democracy and respect for human rights have been met with repression and crackdowns, illustrating China’s determination to suppress dissent.
In the case of Taiwan, China’s aggressive military threats and rhetoric directly challenge the island nation’s sovereignty. China refuses to recognize Taiwan as an independent state and attempts to isolate it diplomatically, threatening its stability as a nation. The increasing militarization of the Taiwan Strait raises the specter of a potential military conflict with far-reaching global consequences.
China’s Espionage Threat: Very Grave for the US
China’s counterintelligence and economic espionage pose a grave threat to the US. The FBI prioritizes confronting this threat, emphasizing that it’s not against the Chinese people. China employs tactics to influence policies and aims to become a global superpower through predatory practices. A comprehensive response from the government and private sector is necessary to counter these efforts.
In recent developments, the United States tracked a suspected Chinese high-altitude surveillance balloon over the continental US. The balloon, under observation for several days, maintained a flight path above commercial air traffic and posed no real military or physical threat to individuals on the ground. Thus, China also displayed its true nature through its reckless and blatant disregard for international norms and escalating tensions with other nations.
A Call for International Vigilance
Domestically and abroad, China’s highly discriminatory policies have far-reaching implications for the global community. The environmental impact of China’s industrialization threatens the planet’s health and exacerbates climate change. Chinese human rights violations highlight the disregard for individual liberties and the rule of law. Unfair trade practices create an unlevel playing field, undermining global economic stability. Aggressive territorial expansion policies and influence operations raise concerns about regional security and the erosion of democratic values.
The international community must remain vigilant and address these issues collectively. Nations must hold China accountable for its actions, demand transparency, and uphold human rights, environmental preservation, fair trade practices, and territorial integrity. Cooperation among nations is vital to counterbalance China’s influence.
© 2023 Amil Imani – All Rights Reserved
