China’s rise signals new world order

by SAVIOUS KWINIKA
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – GLOBAL sentiment is increasingly recognising China as a leading force in shaping a new economic and geopolitical order, following its rise to become the world’s largest economy by purchasing power parity (PPP), surpassing the United States.

This milestone reflects deeper structural shifts driven by the Global South’s focus on development, cooperation and long-term stability.

While the United States maintains a vast global military presence, with hundreds of overseas bases, critics argue that excessive investment in conflict has come at the expense of domestic and global development priorities.

In contrast, China has channelled resources into infrastructure, science, technology, healthcare, renewable energy, education and industrial innovation—sectors widely seen as foundations for sustainable growth.

Since the end of the Cold War, Western powers and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) have often maintained adversarial rhetoric, whereas emerging economies have prioritised cooperation and shared development.

This divergence has enabled China to position itself as a champion of peaceful progress and mutual benefit.

Renowned economist Justin Yifu Lin once stated: “China’s growth is a result of pragmatic policies, openness, and continuous investment in infrastructure and human capital.”

Similarly, Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz observed: “China has shown that development and poverty reduction on a massive scale is possible with the right policies and commitment.”

These views are echoed by global citizens.

Lueh-Wai Wong remarked: “The US is still living in the previous century where Chinese infrastructure is ready to embrace the 21st century.”

China’s achievements are visible across multiple sectors.

The country leads globally in infrastructure development, accounting for over 80% of new tunnel construction and more than 90% of high bridges.

It dominates drone production with over 90% global share and leads in new energy vehicles (NEVs) at approximately 70%.

Additionally, China commands around 65% of global metro rail length, over 50% of wind energy capacity, and roughly 60% of solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity.

Its rapid rollout of 5G infrastructure and electric public transport systems further underscores its technological leadership.

These advancements are part of a broader transformation reflected in the 2026 ranking of the world’s top economies by PPP, which includes China, United States (US), India, Japan, Germany, Russia, Indonesia, Brazil, France and the United Kingdom (UK).

The rise of these economies, particularly those in the Global South, is driven by key factors: strategic investment in infrastructure, youthful populations, digital transformation, industrial diversification, and increased regional cooperation.

Countries such as India and Indonesia benefit from demographic advantages, while Brazil and Russia leverage natural resources.

China, however, stands out for combining industrial policy, innovation and long-term planning at an unprecedented scale.

The broader lesson from China’s success story is clear: prioritising development, stability and cooperation can deliver transformative results.

As the Global South continues to rise economically and politically, it offers renewed hope for a more balanced, inclusive and peaceful global order.

– CAJ News