(African Sun Media, 2020) Liebenberg, Ian; Van der Merwe, Justin
This chapter provides an overview of the growth of China as a political, military and economic power since its emergence as an
independent communist state in 1949. China became a notable political force during the era of decolonisation (1950‑1980)
and one of the leading states within the Non‑Aligned Movement (NAM). Due to its relative economic development and
substantial population, China became well-known for posing alternatives to Western domination. During the era of
decolonisation, China’s external involvement increased through its use of soft power and as a result of its support for liberation
movements in Africa. The end of the Cold War saw the demise of the bipolar world and resulted in unipolarity. More recently,
however, multipolarity has taken root through the rise or resurgence of non‑Western emerging powers. Since 1990, and
especially since 2000, China has moved from being a regional hegemon to a global power. This chapter describes the rise of
China and its current status as an aspiring global hegemon. Although the chapter is mainly descriptive, it also provides some
reflective and analytical notes on China’s current and conceivable future role on the international stage.