China has a very ancient civilization, which stretches back to 400 years. At that time China was recognized as the ' middle kingdom ' and was the centre of the world. But history has a circle and that course sent China hurtling down as the European powers led by England and France came to the fore. The age of colonialism was ushered in and the omnipotent power in the world was the British Empire.
The Rise of the USA
The age of empires and colonialism running till the end of the Second World War in 1945. Hitler who unleashed the Second World War, though run over sounded the death knell of the British and French empires and by insufficience the grave of colonialism. The end of the war saying the emergence of the USA as a super power. It took over the cape of the British Empire.
For some time it was rivaled by the Soviet Union, but its inherent contradictions led to its collapse and the USA emerged as the sole Global power.
Emergence of China
The end of the war also axiom an pass of far gate importance. This was the rise of communist China. A bitter civil war took bull's eye stage in China between the Nationalists ( backed by the USA ) and the Communists led by Mao Tse Tung. The communists over ran China and recognizeable the installation of the incision in the counterpart of the USA as a world power.
The USA however took the quell in its stride and continued to combine its power in other areas.
Tests for the USA
The title of the world ' s superpower however was not without thorns as the USA faced wars in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and now Afghanistan. The sad part is in all these wars the USA for reasons that are now becoming apparent is emerging as a good loser.
a ) The Korean War ( 1950 - 53 ) was the first place where despite having a superior fire power and a nuclear strike force the USA could not enforce its will. China and Korea put in a determined fight and the result was a stalemate and a war - weary USA agreed for an armistice that recognized as the 38th parallel as the line of control
b ) The Vietnam War ( 1963 - 72 ). This war is a water shed in world history and the USA with the most modern weaponry and superior air power had to admit defeat. It was a traumatic moment in US history and is the first recorded instance of a total defeat of US arms. The victors were the Vietnamese communists who were no friends of China, but by default China donned the mantle of the winner.
c ) Iraq War ( 2003 ). This was a war unleashed by President George Bush ( Jr ) and on the face of it the US forces won, as they ousted Saddam Hussain. But history records that many a war was lost after a battle is won due to the short - sighted leadership both political and military. The victory in Iraq was a Pyrrhic victory as the USA lost focus against its fight with the elements of Islamic militancy. Thus while the USA was engaged in Iraq the Al Qaeda and other militant groups regrouped and with Pakistan support became powerful again and could challenge the USA.
d ) Afghan war. This is the current occupation of the US and the war is on for the last 8 years and no end is in sight. Here also despite superior fire power the USA has not been able to win a decisive victory in Afghanistan. This has led to despondency and the USA is looking for ways to get out of this war, without realizing that a defeat in Afghanistan can have far - reaching repercussions.
Emerging Scenario
The entire scenario that is unfolding shows that the USA has gravely miscalculated the power equations. Supporting Pakistan for 55 years is one of them. American military aid and millions of dollars have only succeeded in an institutionalized Military control in Pakistan with a one point agenda to best India. They are hardly concerned about Islamic militancy and one can look with awe at successive US presidents thinking of Pakistan as their friend when it supports terror groups. In place of Iraq if the USA had moved against Pakistan, the US world leadership would have lasted longer.
Economic Picture
The US economy is the largest in the world and the budget runs into trillions of dollars. But how many know that one - third of this economy is mortgaged to China with trade deficit of US - China trade running into billions of dollars. In turn the Chinese economy is getting stronger and China in a short time will be the biggest economy in the world.
Military Picture
Militarily also China is forging ahead. They are feverishly modernizing their army and air force. They have a massive space program and are also constructing aircraft carriers. The pacific may no longer be an US lake as China forges ahead with a blue water navy. The Chinese army can commit over 100 divisions to battle and the USA will be hard put to match that.
Another fly in the ointment is Russia. It is one of the largest oil producers and sits on 90 % of the gas reserves of Europe. They are also building up their military and Putin is resolved to restore the great power status of Russia.
The USA on the other hand has greatly miscalculated. Relying on obscurantist regimes like Saudi Arabia and Islamic nations like Pakistan and supporting dictators in the Middle East, the USA has cooked its own goose.
History is a cycle and perhaps the wheel is now tilting towards China. The years ahead may mark the return of China as the ' middle kingdom ' - the centre of the world.
