China experienced a number of crucial turning points that could have altered both its and the earth as the universe came into its own. There were a number of intriguing missed chances and what-ifs that could have altered the course of world events.
Perhaps the most significant was the possibility of playing a significant role in international issues, which Beijing could have accomplished if only China’s domestic political environment and its leaders ‘ economic and strategic choices had allowed it to establish itself as one of the world’s leading power, strongly supported by the United States and the international community.
Possible collaboration in international conflicts
At the turn of the millennium, the United States found itself engaged in continuous wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. After 2001, China collaborated with the US in Afghanistan, gaining benevolence. But after the first issues in Iraq in 2003- 2004, China moved away, keeping far and aloof. China may have volunteered to take troops there when it could and should include helped the US in any way it was. It would have established a close relationship between the nations.
For a partnership had the power to lessen conflicts and lay the groundwork for a more united US-China relationship, which would have transformed world geopolitics. With the standardization of creation in Iraq, it might have also contributed to stabilizing the Middle East, creating a quiet area way across Eurasia, and stabilizing fuel costs. It might have caused a new economic growth and potentially stopped the financial crisis from 2008.
Leadership and democratic transformation
China was also having troubles of its own in the same time. The change of energy from Jiang Zemin to Hu Jintao, both in 2002 and 2007, highlighted underlying dynasty problems and suggested the possibility for symbolic democratic reform in the Mainland. The introduction of guided votes might have been possible at the same time in Hong Kong. A general amnesty for previous financial crimes and a common amnesty for personal property may have provided full legal defense, and it would have given the Chinese ecnomy the opportunity to turn over a new plant.
Such moves may include demonstrated a commitment to progressive political openness, enhancing China’s picture domestically and internationally. The party may have gotten stronger under its command.
Addressing wealthy elections
Establishing a hereditary chamber combining position and gathering structures would have been a major step in formalizing the position of elites and possibly stabilizing social inheritance and management practices, which would have helped to address the issue of “princelings” within the Chinese Communist Party.
Political engagement
Tradition has traditionally been strained in China’s relations with its neighbors, particularly in terms of territorial disputes.
A courageous decision to surrender the Senkaku Islands to Japan and grant India border concessions, perhaps in combination with the arrival of 10,000 Indian English teachers, could have profoundly improved relationships. Given that English serves as the lingua franca of global business and political relations, proficiency in English across China may have increased its ability to compete globally.
Financial reforms during the 2008 turmoil
The 2008 economic crises represented a critical time for worldwide markets. The Renminbi ( RMB) could have become a cornerstone of the global financial system if China had made the decision to fully convert it or perhaps to peg it openly to the US Dollar.
Also, adopting President Obama’s 2009 plan to reduce emissions in trade for tech transfers while facilitating a fair Yuan revaluation may have generated a lot of goodwill from developing countries impacted by China’s export growth. The modification of those economic stimulus measures could have helped to further stabilize China’s economic growth.
Belt &, Road with a spin
One of China’s most ambitious global projects has been the Belt and Road initiative to improve global communication and cooperation. Moving to place its office in Los Angeles or San Francisco would have been a stroke of political awareness, though, not to exclude the US from the program. For diversity may have cemented China’s position as the world’s leading power, supported unrestrainedly by the US and the international community.
In summary, while China’s choice would have been paved with complex challenges and potential risks, it also would have created a world with cooperation in global leadership, strategic compromises, and a commitment to both domestic and international reform.
The China that could exist is no longer merely a matter of history. These what-ifs might serve as a guide for a method and ideas that could and should mark the country’s future at a time when China’s relations with its neighbors and with the United States have been getting icier as wars inflame Ukraine and the Middle East.
These are instances of projects that may or may not have been initiated, and for each previous thought, there are unquestionably plenty of good arguments to reject them. But instead of being about the past, it is about the future.
Yesterday’s excessive prudence prevented the leadership from taking the “proper steps”, thus leading to the present situation. Today, the problems are far more complicated than yesterday, and decisions are more delicate. Yet, more than yesterday, the world needs China’s bold, cool- headed effort and thinking.
Beijing may have time to consider and try something creative and truly original while the US is a little distracted by its presidential elections. After the elections, there may not be much time left.
This essay first appeared on Settimana News. It is republished with permission. The original article can be viewed here.