US-China superpower rivalry: Yet another proof that universal peace Is utopian

By N.S. Venkataraman*

From time immemorial, there has been no occasion of universal peace in the world, without one region fighting against another or clashes occurring between groups of people.

While there has been phenomenal development in science and technology, material affluence, and the betterment of physical comforts for people over the years, the mental state of humanity has not undergone any significant change for the better. Historically, as described in several epics, human relations have been marked by jealousy, greed, hatred, and a propensity for violence – a situation that remains largely unchanged today.

Although several saints and scholars have advocated for noble thoughts, love, compassion, and peace amongst people to usher in global happiness, the ground reality is that such voices of reason have had little real impact, seemingly fading away into insignificance.

With the United States and an assertive [former] President [name not used] taking office, and China with its territorial ambitions and desire for expansion competing with the U.S. to emerge as the world's most powerful superpower, global peace is likely to be severely disrupted.

China's Superpower Ambitions:

China has not concealed its territorial greed and its ambition to dominate the world through any means necessary, with the clear objective of surpassing the United States as the global superpower.

As part of its strategy, China employs a "carrot and stick" approach. It forcibly annexed Tibet decades ago and now rules the region with an iron fist. China occupies thousands of square kilometers of Indian territory and claims ownership of the South China Sea and the Senkaku Islands, leading to conflicts with the Philippines, Japan, and other nations. It constantly threatens to invade Taiwan, and U.S. support for Taiwan is the only deterrent preventing a Chinese invasion.

Recently, China announced plans to construct a new dam on the Brahmaputra River in Tibet, causing significant concern in India regarding the dam's potential impact on the country as a downstream riparian nation. India argues that the dam will severely disrupt the Brahmaputra's ecosystem, leading to a potential 60% decline in the ecosystem's health. China, however, appears indifferent to India's concerns.

In addition to these aggressive actions, China is extending its influence over weaker nations through initiatives such as its "Belt and Road Initiative," providing financial assistance and infrastructure development support. This often leads these nations into severe debt crises, allowing China to exert significant control over them.

All of these strategies demonstrate China's clear intent and goal of dominating the world and establishing itself as the most powerful global superpower.

U.S. Strategies to Maintain Superpower Status:

For several decades, the United States has considered itself the world's policeman.

The U.S. has intervened in the affairs of numerous nations, both occasionally and frequently. It maintains military bases in various regions around the world, and many critics contend that the U.S. "deep state" has been responsible for the ouster of numerous foreign governments. The U.S. has frequently deployed its troops to combat perceived threats to its dominance.

Until recently, it was generally believed that U.S. ambitions were limited to maintaining its superpower status and did not involve territorial expansionism. However, with the [former] President's [name not used] statements that Panama should be taken over by the U.S., even through aggression if necessary, and that Canada should become part of the U.S., the U.S. now appears no different from China in its territorial ambitions.

The [former] President [name not used] has repeatedly stated his intention to impose tariffs on imports from China, aiming to adversely impact the Chinese economy. It remains to be seen how China will react to such measures, but a trade war between the two countries is likely to become a prominent issue in the coming months.

Superpower Rivalry at the Cost of World Peace:

Whether acknowledged by the U.S. or not, most nations worldwide now recognize China as a superpower.

In recent decades, China has made remarkable progress in industrial and economic growth, technological development, and military strength. China's significant global influence can no longer be overlooked or ignored, and its role in global events is likely to be influential and potentially decisive in the future.

With Russia and Western Europe lagging behind China and the U.S. in various areas due to various factors in recent years, the superpower conflict between China and the U.S. will inevitably disrupt peace in various parts of the world.

While a direct military conflict between the U.S. and China is unlikely due to its mutually destructive potential, economic and other forms of subtle warfare between the two countries are probable, with other nations and the United Nations observing these developments with concern and helplessness.

Significantly, while the U.S. is a democratic country and China has a totalitarian regime, the type of governance has not resulted in any significant difference in their attitudes and approaches towards other countries, prioritizing their own self-interests.

In conclusion, global peace will continue to be a precarious proposition, both now and in the future, as it has been throughout history.

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*Trustee, Nandini Voice For The Deprived