[The Editors' Verdict] Is China a Great Power?

The highlight of the Chinese Communist Party's 100th anniversary event held on the 1st was the hour-long speech by Xi Jinping, the President of China and General Secretary of the Party. China, which has quietly risen to become one of the world's two major powers (G2), threatening the United States, offers a glimpse into the future international landscape through the strong messages delivered by its powerful leader.

Xi's speech, which even mentioned the Opium Wars?considered a humiliating chapter in Chinese history?ended with a strong warning: "China will no longer be bullied." He also left a chilling remark: "If China is bullied, the steel Great Wall built by 1.4 billion people will break heads and spill blood." Western media immediately interpreted this as "a warning to the United States."

Xi's speech has made it clearer what path China will take going forward. U.S. President Joe Biden is pursuing a China strategy that involves rallying allies to apply maximum pressure on China. However, Xi appears to have made it clear that no matter how much the so-called 'democratic countries' encircle China, he will never concede. The Washington Post expressed concern over Xi's speech, stating it "poses greater threats to neighboring countries, the democratic world, and general human freedoms."

China is an even greater threat to South Korea, which faces China across a single sea. Until now, South Korea has maintained a policy known as 'Gyeongjung Anmi (經中安美: economic ties with China, security with the U.S.).' However, many experts point out that this balancing act is no longer effective. The conflict between the U.S. and China is expanding beyond security into all areas. If China, cornered, decides to retaliate against the U.S. and its allies, South Korea will inevitably find itself at the center of the battlefield.

China is trampling on or ignoring the values of 'freedom' and 'democracy' worldwide. Recently, the pro-democracy Hong Kong newspaper Apple Daily chose to shut down under Chinese pressure. There appears to be no improvement in the oppression of the Uyghur population in Xinjiang. The Myanmar military coup forces, under China's protection, continue to take innocent lives.

From past administrations to the current Moon Jae-in government, China has been a significant challenge. President Moon was criticized for likening China to a 'big mountain.' In his speech for the Communist Party's 100th anniversary, Xi repeatedly emphasized the greatness of the Chinese nation. It is true that China, as one of the four cradles of civilization, has left a significant impact on neighboring countries throughout human history.

However, the current China, which threatens neighboring countries by leveraging its economic and military power, cannot be called a great power. It is closer to a bloodthirsty wolf. Hence, Chinese diplomacy is often referred to as 'Wolf Warrior' diplomacy. Xi's speech at the Communist Party's 100th anniversary signals that this attitude of China will only intensify, not change.

Chinese regulatory authorities recently included their own internet companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange within their scope of control. Immediately after the 100th anniversary event, they launched an investigation into Didi Chuxing, known as the 'Chinese Uber.' They casually removed the app from app stores and even stopped new registrations. Investors from various countries who trusted and invested in these companies were thrown into confusion in an instant. Such actions are unthinkable in a normal capitalist country. China is a country where state control takes precedence over individual and corporate growth.