LIBRARY OF CONGRESS ISSN 2833-0455
By: Linda Restrepo
China's rapid rise as an economic superpower and its growing influence in global affairs have caused apprehension among many democratic nations.
In recent years, there has been a growing debate about whether China has the ability to replace the United States as the world's dominant superpower.
While there is no consensus on this issue, it is clear that China is seeking to expand its influence and reshape the global order to better serve its interests.
To an extent China has emulated the three key factors which enabled the United States
to lead the post-World War II international order.
These factors were the ability to convert economic might into political influence, the maintenance of an innovation advantage, and the capacity to shape international institutions and set the rules of global conduct.
1The first factor, the ability to convert economic might into political influence, is something China has already pursued for several years. China has emerged as a significant economic power in recent years, and its economic growth has been accompanied by increased political influence.
China has used its financial leverage to shape global institutions and promote its interests, such as the Belt and Road Initiative, which seeks to build a network of infrastructure projects across Asia, Africa, and Europe. The second factor, maintaining an innovation advantage, is also where China has invested heavily. China has made significant strides in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and biotechnology. The Chinese government has made research and development a priority. It has invested heavily in education and technology infrastructure to support innovation.
ISSN 2833-0455 2 3
The third factor, the capacity to shape international institutions and set the critical rules of global conduct, is perhaps the most challenging for China. The current global order was primarily shaped by the United States after World War II, and the United States has played a crucial role in maintaining and enforcing the rules of the international system. China, on the other hand, has been a more reluctant participant in many of these institutions and has been critical of some of the rules and norms that have been established.
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
However, China has been taking steps to increase its influence within existing institutions and to
establish new institutions that reflect its priorities and values. For example, China has been seeking to expand its voting power in the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank and promoting establishing new institutions such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.
TECHNOLOGY
Giancarlo Elia Valori
School of International Studies in Beijing, China, and President of the International World Group, gives us a World Exclusive insiders look into AI in the Forbidden City. According to Valori, “AI has reached the peak of China's national strategy and has shown
the need to learn from the advanced Western countries’ research practices to discuss, launch and implement the national plan.”
“A large number of repatriated experts sent by China to study AI abroad have become the cornerstone and the academics of research and development on the subject and are also extremely important for the industrial application and training of a new generation of teachers and professors.”
- - Giancarlo Elia Valori–
Both China and the United States are leaders in technology and AI, and it is difficult to say which is ahead. Both countries have made significant investments in these
fields and have developed some of the world's most advanced technologies. In certain areas, such as AI research and development, China has made rapid progress and is rapidly closing the gap with the United States. Chinese companies such as Baidu, Tencent, and Huawei are now at the forefront of AI research and development and are making significant contributions to the field. However, the United States continues to lead in other areas of technology and innovation, such as semiconductors, software, and the Internet. The country also has a well-established ecosystem that supports
innovation, with a strong network of universities, research institutions, and venture capital firms.
Ultimately, China and the United States have strengths and weaknesses in different areas of technology and AI. It is inaccurate to say that one is definitively ahead of the other.
The competition between the two countries will likely continue to be intense. Both will play essential roles in shaping the future of technology and AI. WARFARE
China is developing AI capabilities for military applications.
The Chinese military is investing in developing autonomous weapons systems which use AI to make decisions about targeting and engagement.
These systems can operate independently and are designed to be faster and more accurate than human operators.
China is also investing in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and ground-based robots that can be used for a range of military applications, including reconnaissance, surveillance, and logistics. In addition to these applications, China is also developing AI capabilities for cyber warfare.
China has been accused of engaging in cyber espionage and cyber attacks against other countries, and AI can be used to make these attacks more sophisticated and harder to detect.
China is also applying AI and other technologies to enhance the performance of its soldiers and warfighters. For example, it is developing wearable technology that can monitor soldiers' vital signs, track their location, and provide real-time feedback on their performance. It is also exploring the use of exoskeletons and other advanced prosthetics to enhance soldiers' strength and mobility systems
which use AI to make decisions about targeting and engagement. These systems can operate independently and are designed to be faster and more accurate than human operators. China is also investing in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and ground-based robots that can be used for a range of military applications, including reconnaissance, surveillance, and logistics. China is now the world's second-largest military spender after the United States.
HUMAN CLONING
ISSN 2833-0455
China has been at the forefront of human cloning research and has made significant progress in this field in recent years. However, it is important to note that human cloning is a highly controversial area of research, and many countries have banned it or placed strict limits on its use.
In 2018, a team of Chinese scientists at the Institute of Neuroscience at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Shanghai announced that they had successfully cloned two macaque monkeys using a technique called somatic cell nuclear transfer.
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
This was the first time that primates had been cloned using this method, which involves transferring the nucleus of a somatic cell into an enucleated egg cell.
In 2019, Chinese scientists announced that they had created five cloned geneedited macaque monkeys using the same somatic cell nuclear transfer technique. The monkeys had been genetically modified to disable a gene that is linked to sleep disorders, and the researchers stated that their work could help to develop new treatments for human sleep disorders.
In 2015, Chinese researchers at the Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou published a study in which they reported successfully cloning human embryos using the somatic cell nuclear transfer technique. However, the researchers noted that the cloned embryos only survived for a few days and did not develop into fully-formed embryos.
The cloning of human embryos is highly controversial and is subject to strict ethical and legal restrictions in many countries.
While some scientists argue that human cloning could have important medical applications, others have raised concerns about the potential risks and ethical implications of this technology.
CHEMICAL WEAPONS
There have been allegations and reports that China has conducted chemical experiments that could be utilized in warfare. However, it is difficult to verify the accuracy of these claims as they are often based on limited or unreliable information.
The use of chemical weapons in warfare is prohibited by international law, and China is a signatory to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), which bans the production, stockpiling, and use of chemical weapons. China has stated that it is committed to fulfilling its obligations under the CWC and has reportedly destroyed its chemical weapons stockpiles. However, there have been concerns that China may be developing new chemical agents not covered by the CWC. For example, in 2019, the US Department of State accused China of violating the CWC by conducting
experiments on animals with "toxic" chemicals that could be used in chemical weapons. China denied the allegations and stated it is committed to complying with its international obligations.
There have also been reports of China conducting research into the use of non-lethal chemical agents for crowd control and other military applications. For example, in 2020, Chinese researchers published a study on the use of a chemical compound that could incapacitate people without causing lasting harm.
Some experts criticized the study as raising concerns about the potential for using chemical agents in violation of international law.
Regardless of the source, allegations should be validated before making any decisions or forming any opinion.
-Linda Restrepo-
SPACE
China has been using AI in space exploration and space-based applications. For example, in 2020, China successfully launched an experimental AI-controlled spacecraft that can operate without human intervention. The spacecraft uses AI to make decisions about orbit adjustments and other tasks, which can help reduce the workload for ground-based controllers and make space operations more efficient.
China is also developing AI capabilities to support its space-based intelligence and surveillance
for ground-based controllers and make space operations more efficient.
China is also developing AI capabilities to support its space-based intelligence and surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. China's military is investing in advanced satellite technology and data analytics to improve its ability to collect and process ISR data, which can be used for a range of military applications, including missile defense and monitoring of other countries' military activities.
RUSSIAN UKRAINE WAR
There are many who believe that China can influence the Russian Ukraine War.
China has several ways to potentially influence the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. However, the extent to which it can do so remains a matter of debate and speculation. One fundamental way China could influence the conflict is its position as a permanent United Nations Security Council member.
As such, China can veto any resolution or action put forward by the Security Council, including those related to the conflict in Ukraine.
While China has traditionally taken a more neutral stance on the conflict, it could use its veto power to block resolutions it sees as unfavorable to either side.
China could influence the conflict through its economic and political ties with Russia. China has been a key partner and ally of Russia in recent years, with the two countries engaging in significant economic and trade relations.
As such, China could use its leverage to pressure Russia to de-escalate the conflict or take other actions promoting peace and stability in the region. At the same time, China has also sought to maintain good relations with Ukraine and has expressed support for the country's territorial integrity and sovereignty. This could potentially put China in a position to play a mediating role in the conflict, bringing the parties to the negotiating table and facilitating diplomatic efforts to find a peaceful resolution.
China has reiterated its calls for a political settlement to the Ukraine conflict on the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion, as Beijing comes under increasing pressure from the United States and its allies over its growing partnership with Moscow.
In a position paper
China’s Foreign Ministry called for a resumption of peace talks, an end to unilateral sanctions, and stressed its opposition to the use of nuclear weapons.
https://www.fmprc.gov.c n/mfa_eng/zxxx_662805/2 02302/t20230224_11030713 .html
It is worth noting, however, that China's ability to influence the conflict is constrained by a range of factors, including its own domestic political considerations, its relationships with other global powers, and its complex and evolving dynamics. As such, the extent to which China can shape the conflict's outcome remains uncertain.
BARRIERS
There are ideological barriers to the Chinese leadership. The tensions surrounding China’s rise do not simply result from clashing economic and geopolitical interests.
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
ISSN 2833-0455
China's rapid rise as an economic superpower and its growing influence in global affairs has caused apprehension among many democratic nations. Tensions surrounding China's rise goes beyond the clashing economic and geopolitical interests and stem from a more profound, inherent distrust that conflicts between democratic governments and robust authoritarian regimes. The ideological differences between Beijing's political values and those of the world's democracies have created a significant barrier that inhibits international cooperation and creates friction.
This article delves into the ideological wall between the Chinese leadership and the rest of the world and its implications.
AUTHORITARIANISM AND DEMOCRACY: INHERENT DISTRUST
Democratic governments and authoritarian regimes have inherent differences in values, governance, and human rights. Democratic governments operate on the principle of transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. At the same time, authoritarian regimes depend on secrecy, suppression, and coercion. The stark difference between these
two systems creates a deep mistrust and unease that often hinders international cooperation. China's authoritarian governance and lack of transparency have fueled the distrust between the Chinese leadership and democratic nations. The lack of access to information, restrictions on freedom of speech, and the media make it difficult for the international community to gauge China's intentions, creating a sense of unease and suspicion. The ongoing human rights violations in China, including the suppression of dissent, the persecution
of religious and ethnic minorities, and the curbing of fundamental rights, have further deepened the mistrust between China and the democratic world.
IMPLICATIONS FOR CHINA'S GLOBAL ROLE
The ideological barrier between China and the rest of the world significantly affects China's global role. Despite China's growing economic and military might, the lack of trust and unease has made it challenging for China to secure cooperation and support from democratic nations.
Concerns about China's
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
ISSN 2833-0455
intentions and authoritarian governance have also prompted several democratic governments to push back against China's expanding influence. China has been aggressively expanding its global footprint in recent years with initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative, Made in China 2025, and the Digital Silk Road. However, the inherent distrust has made several countries hesitant to participate in China's initiatives, fearing that they may be subject to China's influence and coercion. The lack of trust has also challenged China to manage its relations with neighboring countries,
particularly those in the Indo-Pacific region.
China's territorial claims in the South China Sea and the East China Sea have led to tensions with several countries in the region, including Japan, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
The lack of trust has made it difficult for China to build cooperative relationships with these countries, making it challenging to manage the geopolitical dynamics in the region.
CONCLUSION
As China continues to assert itself as a major player in global affairs, the rest of the world is grappling with the implications of its rise. Some view China's rise as a threat to the existing global order, while others see it as an opportunity for greater cooperation and collaboration.
Whatever the perspective, it is clear that China's awakening has already had a profound impact on the world, and it is likely to continue to do so in the years to come.
Napoleon's famous quote "Let China sleep, for when she awakes, the world will shake" has proven to be prophetic. China's remarkable rise over the past few decades has transformed the global economic landscape, and its growing military power has given it a significant presence on the world stage.
Napoleon's words have stood the test of time, and they serve as a reminder that the world is constantly evolving and changing. The challenge for all nations will be to adapt to these changes and to find ways to work together for the greater good of humanity.
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
ISSN 2833-0455
The fear of Napoleon Bonaparte has become a reality, China sleeps no more, she has woken up to be a major global hegemon. Some have said that the devil’s greatest trick is convincing the World that he doesn’t exist.
-Linda Restrepo-
LINDA RESTREPO is the Director of Education and Innovation Human Health Education and Research Foundation. She is recognized. Women in Technology Leader, Cybersecurity, and Artificial Intelligence. Restrepo’s expertise also includes Exponential Technologies, Computer Algorithms, Research, and Implementation. Management of Complex Human-machine Systems.
Geopolitical and Global Economic Impacts Research. Restrepo is President of a global government and military defense multidisciplinary research and strategic development firm.
She has directed Corporate Technology Commercialization through the U.S. National Laboratories. Studies in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Restrepo is also the Chief Executive Officer of Professional Global Outreach. Restrepo has advanced degrees from The University of Texas and New Mexico State University.
Resources:
Global Times. (2020). China to build world-leading military AI center. Retrieved from https://www.globaltimes.cn/china/military/ This article from Global Times, a Chinese state-run newspaper, reports on China's plans to build a military artificial intelligence center. The center will reportedly focus on research and development of AI technologies for military applications.
Beijing's Power and China's Global Role: A Report by the CSIS Commission on China. (2018). Center for Strategic and International Studies. Retrieved from https://www.csis.org/events/deterring-cross-strait-conflict-beijingsassessment-evolving-us-strategy
This report by the CSIS Commission on China examines China's growing power and influence in the world and the implications for the United States and other countries. The report analyzes China's economic, political, and military capabilities, as well as its global ambitions.
TECHNOLOGY IN THE MAKING
INNER SANCTUM
VECTOR N360
©
™
Linda Restrepo | Publisher - Editor
TECHNOLOGY IN THE MAKING
DISCLAIMER: This Magazine is designed to provide information, entertainment and motivation to our readers. It does not render any type of political, cybersecurity, computer programming, defense strategy, ethical, legal or any other type of professional advice. It is not intended to, neither should it be construed as a comprehensive evaluation of any topic. The content of this Presentation is the sole expression and opinion of the authors. No warranties or guarantees are expressed or implied by the authors or the Editor. Neither the authors nor the Editor are liable for any physical, psychological, emotional, financial, or commercial damages, including, but not limited to, special, incidental, consequential or other damages. You are responsible for your own choices, actions, and results
Linda Restrepo |
Publisher - Editor
