China’s Communist Party, under the leadership of Xi Jinping, recently concluded a pivotal four-day meeting, completing an agreement on a comprehensive five-year plan. This plan underscores China’s ambitions to amplify its global influence across economic, military, and technological spheres.

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A key component of this strategy, finalised on Thursday, is a push for self reliance in science and technology. This initiative is a direct response to U.S. export controls on semiconductors and other high tech goods during this trade war between the two powerful economies. The updated draft of the Party’s five year plan signals a clear challenge to Washington, signalling China’s intent to assert its dominance on the world stage.

The implications of this plan are far reaching. Should the world fail to recognise and address China’s growing influence, there is a risk of waking up to a future where China dominates all aspects of our lives. As U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has warned, “The world must decouple from China,” highlighting the critical need for strategic action.

China’s strategic offensive further demonstrate by its dominance in rare earth minerals. Earlier this month, Beijing announced tighter export controls on these critical materials, which are essential components in a wide array of products, from automobiles to advanced weapons systems.

This move elevates the issue to a matter of national security, not just for the United States but globally. If the world does not act decisively, we risk becoming beholden to the Chinese Communist Party. This is a compelling reason for a strategic decoupling from China.

China has cultivated an export-driven economy, and many of the products we rely on are manufactured within its borders. This dependence underscores the urgency for nations to diversify their supply chains and reduce their reliance on China.

Controlling approximately 90% of the world’s rare earth reserves, China has positioned itself as a dominant force in global manufacturing. The imposition of export controls means that foreign companies now require the Chinese government’s approval to access and utilise these critical resources. This regulatory measure grants China significant leverage over international industries, underscoring the need for strategic diversification and proactive measures to mitigate potential economic vulnerabilities.

Amidst already strained relations between China and the United States, President Trump and Party Chair Xi are scheduled to meet in Asia next week. The hope is that a mutually beneficial deal can be reached during this high stakes encounter.

However, a significant concern looms: China’s track record of not adhering to the same rules as other nations. Whatever deal is struck in Asia, the world will be watching closely to see if Beijing upholds its commitments.

This skepticism highlights the need for vigilance and the importance of holding China accountable to its promises. The stakes are high, and the outcome of this summit could have far-reaching implications for global trade and security.

The United States has already initiated a strategic decoupling from China, exemplified by efforts to revitalise its shipbuilding industry. However, China has responded with significant sanctions on Hanwha Ocean, a US-linked subsidiary of South Korea.

This action is seen as a direct response to President Trump’s decision to prioritise the rebuilding of the US shipbuilding capacity, with Hanwha Ocean seeking to expand its operations to support this initiative. China’s sanctions highlight the challenges and potential retaliatory measures that may arise as the US seeks to reduce its economic dependence.

This situation underscores the complexities of decoupling and the need for a comprehensive strategy that anticipates and mitigates potential countermeasures. The US must navigate these challenges carefully to ensure the success of its strategic decoupling efforts.

For many years, the world has regarded China as a developing country, which has facilitated its rapid growth and self sufficiency. However, this approach is now proving problematic as China’s immense size and influence have left the international community struggling to adapt.

The global landscape is grappling with how to effectively engage with a nation that has grown so powerful, challenging existing norms and power structures. The very strategies that enabled China’s rise are now creating uncertainty and requiring a reevaluation of international relations.

Navigating this new reality demands innovative solutions and a willingness to reassess traditional approaches to global governance and diplomacy. The world must find a way to manage China’s growing influence while upholding principles of fairness, transparency, and mutual respect.

If the world fails to address China’s growing influence now, we risk becoming subject to its dominance. While stifling China’s growth is not the goal, a strategic decoupling, as advocated by the US Treasury Secretary, is essential.

China’s ambition to achieve global hegemony is becoming increasingly apparent, and the window of opportunity to act is closing rapidly. Unless the international community takes decisive action, this ambition could soon become a reality.

Therefore, it is imperative that the world acts now to implement a strategic decoupling, safeguard its interests, and maintain a balance of power. Failure to do so could have dire consequences for global freedom and prosperity.