Reshaping the Global Order: How China is spreading its influence and might

A series of military developments this past week highlighted the way China is expanding its reach both near and abroad. From military exercises to arms sales, Beijing is increasingly honing its might and strengthening ties with allies and partners.

Over the week, China conducted a first of its kind joint naval exercise with Russia and South Africa. The event took place off the shores of Cape Town on the western edge of the southern tip of Africa. Its goal was to demonstrate China’s commitment to working with its allies and partners to counter threats and promote peace and prosperity at sea. One expert predicted that it was the first of many similar exercises to come.

Meanwhile, a recent report indicates another way that China is spreading its influence. Satellite images found that China has provided Pakistan, a major ally, with an advanced radar system capable of detecting stealth aircraft. China has also built military naval ships for Pakistan and sold or donated others to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. These sales and donations are especially worrying to India, an ally of the US. New Delhi is concerned that China is using Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, which border India in a diamond shape, to encircle it.

While India’s worries mount, China isn’t limiting itself to providing just naval and radar assets. Its military is currently testing a new type of armed drone designed with foreign markets in mind. Equipped with 50 mm rockets and infrared, China plans to use the system in frontline combat at the small unit level. The drone could find itself in other countries’ arsenals as well, with its manufactures hoping to sell it to international buyers.

As all of this unfolds, Australia watches with growing concern. Authorities are investigating claims by an alleged Chinese defector who detailed espionage cases in Hong Kong and Taiwan, as well as the mysterious death of a businessman who claimed China sought to plant him into the Australian parliament. Some US officials view Australia as a case study for what China could do to other nations.

Taken together, these cases illustrate the way China is using its growing strength to expand its influence and reach by building up other nations and strengthening ties with partners and allies. As China’s might continues to grow, so will its ability to challenge US power by promoting its own interests.

TAKE A CLOSER LOOK

China conducts naval exercises with Russia and South Africa

Demonstrating its growing military prowess, China conducted a naval exercise with Russia and South Africa. The first of its kind exercise sought to strengthen trilateral relations while strengthening the countries’ ability to protect their interests and promote prosperity and peace.

You get a ship, you get a ship, everyone gets a ship!

In another example showcasing China’s military might, a report revealed that China recently provided its close ally Pakistan with an advanced radar system. Pakistan isn’t the only recipient of Chinese generosity. Beijing has also sold or donated ships to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka too.

China tests new armed drone: Foreign purchasers welcome

On the technological front, China continues to seek ways to make its military more lethal. It is currently testing a new type of armed drone that could soon be in the hands of frontline units as well as foreign buyers.

Spy games in Australia

Watching all of this unfold is Australia, a nation whose once warm relations with China are beginning to grow cold. Allegations of espionage, domestic subversion, and a mysterious death are fueling concerns in Australia’s political establishment.