Beijing isn’t looking to usurp Washington’s hegemony, but its prominence does make it harder for American planners to take Asia for granted
Will a rejuvenated China be good for Asia? It is difficult to agree with Western pessimists such as William Bratton, author of the 2021 book China’s Rise, Asia’s Decline, who argues that “China’s ascendancy to regional hegemonic status will result in the decline of its neighbours’ political independence, economic dynamism, and future growth potential. Any short-term benefits of China’s growth, such as increased trade, will be transitory.”
Even if we accept his argument, it would be necessary to ask: has the rise of any regional hegemon in history resulted in anything other than a decline of political independence on its periphery?
However, China says it has no desire to be the next global hegemon. This is not because of an outpouring of international goodwill but because Beijing does not wish to repeat the cautionary experiences of the US and the Soviet Union.
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