At least 60% of the products in stores in Australia were either made, partially made or packaged in China. Yes, they make everything in China, from solar panels to doll houses. Speculation has been rampant in recent days about the possibility of China rising to  world superpower status, but is this based in fact?

While the United States has been the acknowledged global superpower for many years, there are some who believe that Americans have seen the last of the Glory Days and that China will supplant the U.S. as the new world superpower.

A recent Pew Research study revealed that in 15 of 22 nations, the  general consensus of opinion is that China will ultimately replace the United States—or has already replaced it—as the leading superpower of the world. This opinion is prevalent in Western Europe, where at least 72% of people in France, 67% of people in Spain, 65% of the Brits and 61% of German residents believe that China will catch up and even overtake America as the new superpower.

This majority opinion holds true in Pakistan, Mexico, the Palestinian territories and China itself. The trend toward belief that China will rise to become the new global superpower has risen considerably over the course of the past two years as the U.S. Giant has struggled with economic and political woes.

Americans aren’t exempt from these doubts about losing the role of superpower status to China, either. In fact, a recent survey showed that among U.S. citizens, the belief that China has either already overtaken America or will ultimately do so has risen from about one-third in 2009 to almost half, or 46% in 2011.

What Accounts for China’s Rise as Potential Contender for World Superpower?

There are quite a few factors to account for speculation that China will supplant the United States as the world’s undisputed superpower:

• During the past 15 years, China has shown accelerated growth due in large part to free market reforms, plus an expansion in international trade.
• China is the biggest exporter in the entire world.
• The economy in China has grown from $3 trillion in 2000 to $8.7 trillion in 2009.
• China’s economy in 2009 grew 8.7% while the U.S. economy went backward and shrunk 2.4%.
• China is on track to become the world’s largest economy, surpassing the United States.

There is no doubt that one of the main factors that has led to China’s rise is its trade relationship with the United States.

However, the flip

side to this coin is that despite impressive facts and figures, most of China continues to struggle with poverty, unemployment, and unrest among its citizenry. The per capita income in China is a mere $7,000.

China’s Military Expansion

China’s military pow

er has been expanding along with its economic power. In fact, its military spending has increased by more than 10% almost every year since the new millennium in 2000.

Currently, China has the second largest defense budget in the world, weighing in at an impressive $150 billion, and its weapon systems are undergoing modernization. China is working on (or recently completed) a new anti-ship ballistic missile believed to have the capabilities of  sinking an aircraft carrier. Additionally, the nation has developed an anti-satellite missile. According to reports from the Pentagon, China has in the works an aircraft carrier that will be able to project power to every spot on the globe.

China’s Expanding Global Influence

Besides having a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, China has been busy building favorable partnerships with other Asian countries via the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, as well as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN. In addition, China is cementing robust trade relationships with nations in South America and Africa and has replaced America as the top trading partner of  Brazil and several other South American countries.

While the United States has been the world’s lone superpower for many years, China has the potential to claim this title for itself at some point in the future.

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