China’s Emergence as a Global Power: A Changing World Order

The People’s Republic of China was founded in 1949 after a long civil war, when the Chinese Communist Party, led by Mao Zedong, took control of the country. For decades, China followed a strict communist model based on state ownership, central planning, and political isolation. During this period, the country remained relatively poor, technologically behind, and largely disconnected from the global economy.

A major turning point came after Mao’s death in 1976. In 1978, the new leader Deng Xiaoping introduced a series of economic reforms that transformed China’s system. While the country remained politically communist, it began to adopt market-based economic policies. These reforms are often described as “socialism with Chinese characteristics.” Private businesses were allowed, foreign investment was encouraged, and special economic zones were created to experiment with capitalism. This marked China’s transition from a closed, rigid system to a more flexible and pragmatic one.

One of the most significant changes was China’s integration into the global economy. By opening its doors to international trade and joining the World Trade Organization in 2001, China became the “world’s factory.” Multinational companies moved production there because of low labor costs, improving infrastructure, and government support. As a result, China experienced decades of rapid economic growth, lifting hundreds of millions of people out of poverty and creating a large middle class.

China’s rise has not only been economic but also technological and political. The country has invested heavily in infrastructure, education, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and space exploration. Projects such as the Belt and Road Initiative aim to expand China’s influence through investments in ports, railways, and roads across Asia, Africa, and Europe. At the same time, China has strengthened its military and diplomatic presence, positioning itself as an alternative global leader.

However, China’s model has both strengths and weaknesses. Its strengths include long-term planning, state coordination, massive industrial capacity, and the ability to act quickly without lengthy political debates. On the other hand, critics point to weaknesses such as lack of political freedom, censorship, human rights concerns, high youth unemployment, an aging population, environmental damage, and economic dependence on exports and real estate.

Because of its growing power, many countries are worried about China’s dominance. The United States and several European nations see China as a strategic rival, especially in areas like technology, cybersecurity, and global influence. Some fear that China’s political system challenges democratic values, while others worry about economic dependency or political pressure.

At the same time, other countries are increasingly willing to cooperate with China. Some governments view China as a more reliable or pragmatic partner than the United States, especially in trade and infrastructure development. For example, countries like Canada have openly discussed the need to diversify economic partnerships. At international forums such as the World Economic Forum in Davos, the Canadian prime minister has spoken about a world that is becoming more multipolar — no longer dominated by a single superpower. These comments have been widely interpreted as signs that a shift in the global order may already be underway.

China’s emergence raises fundamental questions about the future: Will the world move toward cooperation or competition? Is China offering a new development model, or simply a different form of power? And are we witnessing the beginning of a new global balance?

2. Vocabulary Match

Match each word with the correct definition.

Word	Definition

emergence | a. practical and focused on results rather than theory
reform | b. control over information and expression
dominance | c. the process of becoming visible or important
transition | d. money put into something to gain future benefits
integration | e. reliance on something or someone else
infrastructure | f. strong control or influence over others
pragmatic | g. basic systems like roads, energy, and transport
investment | h. the process of change from one system to another
influence | i. joining or becoming part of a larger system
rival | j. power to affect decisions or behavior
censorship | k. a competing country or group
multipolar | l. a major change made to improve a system
poverty | m. having several centers of power
lift (out of) | n. the state of being extremely poor
dependency | o. to help someone escape a difficult situation

3. Synonym Match

Match each word to its synonym.

reform — reliance
dominance — shift
rival — rise
pragmatic — competitor
influence — change
emergence — impact
investment — control
transition — funding
integration — practical
dependency — inclusion

4. Role-Play Activities

Role-Play A – “Was China’s Transition a Success or a Compromise?”

Characters:

Economist – focuses on growth and poverty reduction
Activist – concerned about human rights
Moderator – keeps balance

Starter:
Moderator: China became rich without becoming democratic. Is that success or failure?

Role-Play B – “Trade Ministers Debate China vs the U.S.”

Characters:

Canadian Trade Minister
U.S. Trade Representative
Chinese Diplomat

Starter:
Minister: We need partners, not pressure. Who offers stability today?

Role-Play C – “Chinese Citizen and Western Journalist”

Characters:

Journalist – asks critical questions
Citizen – defends China’s development

Starter:
Journalist: Do economic gains justify limits on freedom?

Role-Play D – “World Leaders at Davos”

Characters:

European Leader
Canadian Prime Minister
Developing Nation Leader

Starter:
Leader: The world is no longer unipolar. How do we adapt?

Role-Play E – “University Debate: Is China a Threat?”

Characters:

Student A – sees China as a danger
Student B – sees China as an opportunity

Starter:
Student A: China wants to replace the West.
Student B: Or maybe the West is no longer the center.

5. Global Power Comparison Task

5A. Reasons Countries Are Concerned About China

Military expansion
Technology competition
Political system
Economic dependency
Human rights concerns

5B. Reasons Countries Prefer Cooperation with China

Infrastructure investment
Trade opportunities
Fewer political conditions
Long-term planning
Multipolar balance

→ Choose one reason and expand on it.

6. Discussion Questions

How did China change its economic system after 1978?
Why is China still considered communist despite market reforms?
What role did globalization play in China’s rise?
What are China’s main strengths as a global power?
What weaknesses could threaten its future growth?
Why do some countries fear China’s dominance?
Why do others see China as an alternative to the U.S.?
What does “multipolar world” mean?
Why is Canada interested in diversifying partnerships?
Do you think a new world order is emerging? Why or why not?
Can economic success exist without political freedom?
Is China exporting a new development model?
How might China’s rise affect smaller countries?
Is cooperation with China a risk or an opportunity?
Who should lead the global system in the future?

7A. Fill-in-the-Blanks

China’s _________ as a global power changed international politics.
Economic _________ allowed private business to grow.
The country went through a major _________ after Mao’s death.
China reduced extreme _________ for millions of people.
Heavy _________ in infrastructure fueled growth.
Some nations fear China’s global _________.
Others see China as a useful _________ to the U.S.
China follows a _________ approach focused on results.
Internet _________ remains a major criticism.
The world is becoming increasingly _________.
Many economies worry about trade _________ on China.
Roads, ports, and railways are part of national _________.
China’s global _________ continues to expand.
The reforms marked a clear _________ in policy.
China worked to _________ itself into the global economy.

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