China's Steady Rise: Exploiting the US War on Terror to Build Global Influence

Over the past two decades, the United States has been heavily engaged in the War on Terror, focusing much of its foreign policy and resources on the Middle East and counterterrorism efforts. While the US has been preoccupied with these conflicts, China has seized the opportunity to expand its global influence and pursue its ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). In this article, we will examine how China has taken advantage of the US's engagement in the War on Terror to build its influence in resource-rich countries, fueling its economic growth and global ambitions.

I. China's Focus on Economic Expansion

As the US dedicated considerable resources to the War on Terror, China has primarily focused on its economic expansion. With a rapidly growing population and a hunger for natural resources to fuel its industrial development, China has sought to establish strong trade relationships and secure vital resources worldwide.

II. Targeting Resource-Rich Countries

China has strategically targeted resource-rich countries, particularly those in Africa, Latin America, and Asia, to secure access to essential minerals and resources for its economic growth. These countries have become an integral part of China's global strategy, as they provide the raw materials necessary to sustain China's manufacturing sector and fuel its domestic growth.

III. The Belt and Road Initiative

The Belt and Road Initiative, launched in 2013, is a crucial aspect of China's strategy to expand its global influence. This vast infrastructure project aims to connect China to Europe, Africa, and Asia through a network of roads, railways, ports, and industrial parks. By investing in infrastructure projects in resource-rich countries, China has gained significant leverage and influence in these regions.

IV. Filling the Vacuum Left by the US

As the US has been embroiled in the War on Terror, its engagement in many resource-rich countries has been limited or redirected. China has been quick to fill the void, offering financial aid, infrastructure development, and trade opportunities to countries that might have otherwise been more closely aligned with the US. This has allowed China to forge strong relationships with these countries and increase its influence in regions traditionally dominated by the US.

V. The Implications of China's Growing Influence

China's growing influence in resource-rich countries has significant implications for global politics and economics. The expansion of the BRI has prompted concerns about China's intentions and the potential debt burden for countries involved in the initiative. Additionally, the growing presence of China in these countries has raised questions about the future balance of power in the global arena, as it challenges the traditional dominance of the US.

China has effectively capitalized on the US's preoccupation with the War on Terror, using the opportunity to expand its influence in resource-rich countries and advance its Belt and Road Initiative. China now has foot holds in many areas around the globe that hold invaluable resources and minerals. Congo in Africa for their Colbalt, and now in Afghanistan with the immense amounts of Lithium. As tensions between the US and China continue to rise to new highs, we can only assume that China will continue to pursue relationships with countries with high value resources. As China continues to strengthen its global position, the US and other global powers will need to reassess their strategic priorities and adapt to a shifting global landscape marked by China's increasing influence.