The world is undergoing a profound process of globalization, with far-reaching implications for the established global order and the dominance of the United States as a global hegemon. Amidst this transformation, the ascendance of China as a significant global power has emerged as a concerning factor for U.S. hegemony. The recent G7 meeting showcased the United States’ growing unease regarding Chinese influence and its potential implications.
One of the primary areas of concern revolves around economic security. The G7 leaders have collectively acknowledged the need to address China’s non-market policies and practices that create an unlevel playing field. China’s state-led capitalism and its economic control have enabled it to engage in unfair practices, disadvantaging workers and companies from other nations. In response, the United States and other G7 countries are determined to advocate for a level playing field, enhance resilience to economic coercion, and safeguard advanced technologies that could pose threats to national security. Effectively addressing these economic security concerns is essential to preserving the United States’ position of global hegemony.
Another critical aspect of concern lies in regional stability, particularly within the Indo-Pacific region. The G7 leaders have reaffirmed the significance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and emphasized the necessity of resolving cross-Strait issues peacefully. Additionally, they have expressed deep apprehension regarding the situation in the East and South China Seas, firmly opposing any attempts to alter the status quo through force or coercion unilaterally. This united stance underscores the G7 members’ commitment to maintaining regional stability and averting actions that could destabilize the region.
The G7 leaders have also voiced concerns about China’s human rights situation and urged China to refrain from interference activities that undermine democratic institutions. The clash between China’s values and those upheld by the G7 members, centered around democratic principles, further contributes to apprehensions about China’s growing influence on the global stage. These concerns extend beyond geopolitical considerations and encompass ideological differences, heightening the complexity of the issue.
Furthermore, the process of de-dollarization plays a significant role in the concerns surrounding China’s influence on U.S. hegemony. China’s expanding economic power has driven its efforts to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar and promote the use of its currency in international transactions.
This shift challenges the United States’ position as the leading global economic powerhouse and undermines the dominance of the U.S. dollar as the world’s reserve currency. The ongoing process of de-dollarization has the potential to reshape the global financial landscape and impact U.S. hegemony in profound ways.
China’s increasing influence in the Middle East is another factor that intensifies concerns about its impact on U.S. hegemony. China’s diplomatic efforts to foster rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia, two pivotal players in the region, have allowed it to enhance its economic and political ties. Consequently, China gains leverage and influence in the Middle East, potentially challenging the traditional influence and presence of the United States. This expanding Chinese footprint in the region further compounds concerns over U.S. hegemony.
Moreover, China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) emerges as a crucial component of the concerns surrounding Chinese influence. The BRI aims to promote economic cooperation and enhance connectivity across vast regions of Asia, Europe, and Africa through massive infrastructure projects. While the initiative offers opportunities for participating countries, it also enables China to expand its political and economic influence on a global scale. This expansion poses a direct challenge to the influence and presence of the United States in these regions, adding to concerns about China’s encroachment on U.S. hegemony.
To sum it up, the rising influence of China in the global arena represents a significant concern for U.S. hegemony. The concerns expressed by the G7 leaders, encompassing economic security, regional stability, core values, de-dollarization, China’s influence in the Middle East, and the Belt and Road Initiative, underline the multifaceted nature of the challenge. Navigating this shifting landscape effectively requires a comprehensive and nuanced approach to safeguard U.S. core interests and maintain a delicate balance of power. By addressing these concerns, the United States can strive to preserve its position of global hegemony amidst the complexities of an increasingly interconnected and competitive world.
Also read: Multipolar World: A Paradigm Shift in Global Affairs
* Naveed Hussain Mangi is a student of International Relations pursuing a bachelor’s degree at the University of Karachi.
**The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Diplomatic Insight. The organization neither endorses nor assumes any responsibility for the content of this article.
