China is a vital international ally, yet people distrust it and view it as a strategic competitor in the global arena. The twenty-first century requires policymakers to handle their threefold nature, which includes being friends to some people, while others view them with distrust and still others consider them enemies. The basic understanding of China’s position does not account for multiple factors which guide its behaviour and disregards how various geographic areas respond to its political measures.

China demonstrates its economic power through its role as a business ally to countries across the world. The Belt and Road Initiative dedicated billions of dollars to construct infrastructure projects which span across Asia, Africa, and specific European regions to develop ports and railways, industrial parks and power plants that multiple countries lacked the resources to construct independently. The completion of these projects results in public disagreements, yet they create improved transportation systems, which drive faster urban growth. The extensive Chinese consumer market functions as a global supply chain foundation, which draws exporters to establish operations within the country. China proves its value as a helpful international partner through its joint efforts to combat climate change, develop renewable energy, and protect public health.

The Southeast Asian partnership operates through specific operational methods which it uses. China continues to hold its position as ASEAN’s top trading partner, while its economic presence in the region supports the development of the area. The economic success of governments depends on China’s ongoing........

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