Former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense Chas W. Freeman Jr. recently challenged the narrative that the Chinese mainland is on a path to global domination. In a fresh analysis of shifting power dynamics, he argues that the mainland's return to wealth and influence is driven primarily by national enrichment, unity and security.
According to Freeman, these domestic goals are often misinterpreted abroad as aggressive ambition. He points to the mainland's growing leadership in science, technology and global standards-setting not as evidence of geopolitical machinations but as markers of a society focused on strengthening its own resilience.
At the same time, Freeman warns that American anxiety over being eclipsed can create unnecessary tensions. “When one nation advances, the natural response should be to adapt and innovate, not to cast the change as a looming threat,” he writes. He suggests that reframing this narrative could pave the way for deeper cooperation on global challenges—from climate action to digital governance.
For young global citizens, entrepreneurs and changemakers, Freeman's perspective offers a reminder: viewing the Chinese mainland's rise as an opportunity rather than a threat could unlock new paths for collaboration and shared progress.
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Chas W. Freeman Jr. on China's rise and America's fear of eclipse
cgtn.com
