How a Chinese superpower may be different
By Suwatchai Songwanich, CEO Bangkok Bank (China)
Is China a superpower? This intriguing question was recently posed by Dr. Vanchai Srichana, the
President of Mae Fah Luang University, at an event organized by Bangkok Bank.
In Professor Vanchai’s view, there are three aspects to being a superpower – economic might,
military might and global influence. And although China has both economic and military might, plus a
great culture and history, its global cultural influence is not yet enough to qualify for global superpower
status. For example other superpowers – either currently, such as the US, or in past centuries, such
as France and Britain – have spread their cultural influence to every corner of the world through
language, food, fashion, media and social systems.
By contrast China’s global influence is much more modest. One reason for this, according to
Professor Vanchai, is that unlike Western powers China didn’t colonize any overseas territories.
Instead, China’s foreign policy approach was to create mutual benefits through trade.
This point has been repeatedly stressed by China’s President Xi Jinping who says that Chinese
culture advocates harmony and diversity. He vows that no matter how powerful China becomes,
China will not exercise hegemony over other countries but would support a multi-polar world.
While of course some might be skeptical about this, President Xi can support his claim by pointing to
China’s long history of peaceful engagement through many centuries when China was a major
economic power.
For example in the 15th century, as a major maritime power, China could have colonized Southeast
Asia but it chose not to. Rather than establishing colonies, China set up a tribute system – in return
for access to the Chinese market and protection, neighbours were required to give gifts to
acknowledge China’s superiority. This was symbolic as the gifts were reciprocated, usually with ones
of even greater value.
While conceding that China is not yet a superpower, Professor Vanchai is confident that it will become
one, as its cultural influence grows. His Mae Fah Luang university is a good illustration of the growing
influence of China, as students study in Chinese as well as Thai.
While I agree that China is on track to becoming a superpower, I think its style will reflect its own
culture and history, and its behaviour will be very different to that of Western powers. We recently
celebrated the Chinese New Year around the world with the usual exchanges of gifts, family
gatherings and demonstrations of respect. This is a great model for the win-win philosophy of China’s
international engagement.
For more columns in this series please see www.bangkokbank.com