Newsroom Blog
Power with responsibility
By Lloyds List Comment
Friday 29 January 2010
CHINA has moved into a leadership role in fending off pirate attacks in the Gulf of Aden. A diplomatic breakthrough reached this week establishes a rotation system of co-ordinators among the naval powers in the region.
Previously, these powers had been acting on separate initiatives. Under the new approach China will spend several months co-ordinating the diverse anti-piracy task force in the region.
This is good news for the anti-piracy effort. It also sends a welcome signal that China is seeking greater involvement on the international stage.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the economic recovery is the speed at which China is accelerating its role as a global power. Predictions vary, but some say that China may overtake Japan as the world’s second largest economy in a matter of years.
Analysts once talked about the possibility that the renminbi would replace the US dollar as the world’s reserve currency as if the idea was bit far-fetched. Some now say it is only a matter of time. China may overtake the US as the world’s largest economy in ten years.
But China’s march into a leading role has seemed indifferent to the responsibilities that such economic and military might usually bestow. One example was recently on display in the international relief efforts following the devastating earthquake in Haiti.
China’s capability to respond effectively to such a disaster was proven following the massive quake in Sichuan, where its military launched a remarkable rescue effort. But China’s contribution to the Haiti effort was meagre in light of its growing clout and in comparison to other nations.
Its role in the anti-piracy efforts represents a step change as a partner and leader in international efforts. It complements China’s ascendancy as a shipowning nation and its role as linchpin in so many global trades. China is protecting its own interests.
Moreover, the rise of China’s military strength has put many nations, from neighbouring Japan to the US, on the defensive. The broader role will allow forces from India, Russia, Malaysia, and Iran as well as those of Nato, the European Union’s Navfor and the US-controlled Combined Maritime Forces to work on a constructive basis with the Chinese military.
Familiarity based on common interest can only contribute to a friendlier attitude toward what will undoubtedly be the world’s leading superpower in the not-too-distant future.
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