China: Politics, Economy, Military & Modern Life
- Sylvia Rose
- Mar 10
- 6 min read
China in 2025 is a nation in flux, balancing economic growth with social and environmental impact. Global influence and ambition enables this leading superpower to shape modern geopolitical landscapes. Here's an overview.
Government & Politics
China is a one-party state governed by the Communist Party of China (CPC). General Secretary Xi Jinping leads the country, consolidating power and emphasizing national rejuvenation.
The CPC maintains tight control over all aspects of society, including media, education and the internet. While economic liberalization has happened, political dissent is heavily suppressed.
The centralized structure enables rapid decision-making, which can expedite development projects. This can come at the cost of individual freedoms.
Xi Jinping's leadership focuses toward strengthening national power and expanding global influence. China prioritizes technological advancements and economic self-sufficiency, while maintaining strict social control.
The CPC’s initiative “Made in China 2025” plan spotlights sectors like robotics and aerospace. It seeks to eliminate dependence on foreign technology.
Xi Jinping has had a cult of personality constructed around himself since entering office in 2012. Books, cartoons, pop songs and dance routines honor his rule.
Following Xi's ascension to the leadership core of the CCP, he's referred to as Xi Dada (Uncle or Papa Xi) until April 2016. The village of Liangjiahe, where Xi is sent as a youth, is decorated with propaganda and murals extolling the formative years of his life.
Major Exports and Imports
China is the world's largest exporter, sending out over $2.5 trillion worth of goods annually. Major exports include electronics, machinery, textiles, furniture, apparel and manufactured goods.
Imports are primarily raw materials like crude oil, iron ore and natural gas. China also imports advanced technology, semiconductors, and agricultural products.
Another import is soybeans to sustain industrial growth and feed the approximately 1.4 billion citizens. In 2020, 70% of soybeans imported by China come from Brazil and the US.
Natural Resources
China has abundant natural resources, the most plentiful being coal. Others include iron ore, oil, natural gas, and rare earth minerals.
China has about 2.4 million metric tons of tungsten reserves, more than any other country. Uneven distribution of natural resources necessitates reliance on imports.
Coal accounts for 57% of energy consumption. This causes environmental problems, most notably severe air pollution. In 2023 China has the highest level of carbon emissions on the planet.
Recently China invests in renewable sources, to increase its renewable energy share to 30% of total energy use. It's an ongoing struggle between resource extraction and environmental preservation.
State of the Economy
China's economy is the second largest globally, characterized by rapid expansion driven by industrialization and rising consumer spending. It experiences growth at a more moderate pace than in previous decades.
Focus shifts to high quality, innovation-driven expansion with investments in technology, artificial intelligence and renewable energy. China moves toward a model emphasizing technology and consumer consumption.
Problems include mounting debt, addressing regional inequalities, and ongoing trade tensions. The real estate sector is experiencing a decline in some cities.
Pollution
Decades of rapid industrialization result in environmental problems. Air and water pollution are serious concerns, particularly in urban and industrial centers.
Pollution impacts public health and sparks social unrest. Major cities, like Beijing and Shanghai, regularly suffer from poor air quality, while rural areas deal with water scarcity affecting farms.
China has tightened regulations on industrial pollution and invested over $125 billion in green technologies. Substantial work is needed.
Trading Partners
China's major trading partners include the United States for now, the European Union, ASEAN countries, Japan, and South Korea. Trade relationships are complex and often subject to geopolitical factors.
In 2020, 15% of China's exports go to the US. Lately, animosity is incurred by the US over trade tariffs. India is also off the list of favored partners since 2023.
As global trade shifts, China increasingly works with developing nations through projects like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This aims to enhance international connections while securing resources and markets.
The BRI includes a Silk Road Economic Belt. This transcontinental route connects China with Southeast Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, Russia and Europe by land.
A 21st-century Maritime Silk Road is part of the initiative. It's a sea route linking China’s coastal areas with Southeast and South Asia, the South Pacific, the Middle East, Eastern Africa and extending to Europe.
The BRI transforms global trade dynamics and increases China's influence in the global South. Conversely it sparks geopolitical resistance and skepticism from Western countries.
Major Urban Centers
Shanghai: A global financial hub and a major port city.
Beijing: The political and cultural capital.
Guangzhou: A major manufacturing and trading center.
Shenzhen: A leading technology hub and a Special Economic Zone.
Hong Kong: A Special Administrative Region with financial autonomy.
Megacities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen are important economic centers. They offer job opportunities and impressive infrastructure. Rapid urban growth also finds 25 million people in need of housing.
Military, Weapons & Allies
The People's Liberation Army (PLA) is one of the world's largest and most modern militaries. China invests heavily in military capabilities, including naval power, airpower, and cyber warfare.
It maintains close strategic partnerships with countries like Russia and Pakistan. China supports North Korea, Myanmar and other nations seeking to build up military might.
It provides weapons to Russia in the current war with Ukraine and allies with various Asian and African countries to expand influence. It's a volatile situation as China wants to maintain prosperous relations with the West.
The People’s Liberation Army (PLA), is undergoing modernization, with investments aimed at enhancing capabilities in airborne, naval, and cyber operations. Military budget exceeds $250 billion according to 2022 stats.
Nuclear Arsenal
Recognized as a nuclear power, China maintains a growing arsenal focused on deterrence rather than aggression. It's estimated China has around 320 nuclear warheads. The government commits to a no-first-use policy.
Space Program
China's space program has successfully landed rovers on the Moon and Mars. China has its own space station, Tiangong. These achievements mark China's growing tech prowess and ambition as a leading space power.
China's space program has made significant strides, including successful manned missions and lunar explorations. The establishment of the Tiangong space station represents a considerable leap in China's ambitions in space exploration and international collaboration.
Life of the Average Citizen
The life of the average Chinese citizen varies greatly depending on location and socioeconomic status. Urban dwellers typically enjoy higher incomes and access to better services than those in rural areas.
Internet access is widespread, but subject to censorship and surveillance. Education and healthcare are increasingly accessible. In many rural areas, poverty persists.
Within urban spaces, cultural norms shift toward modern practices as consumer habits evolve. Yet, citizens often contend with government surveillance and censorship.
Housing
Housing affordability is a major concern for many citizens, especially in major cities. Rapid urbanization causes property prices to soar. The government attempts stabilize the market and increase availability of affordable housing.
Employment
China's labor market is vast and diverse. While manufacturing remains a significant sector, the service sector is growing rapidly. Unemployment is relatively low, but concerns exist about availability of high-skilled jobs.
While cities offer greater job prospects, competition is fierce. Many graduates enter the job market annually, with growing emphasis on technology and innovation shaping career options.
Religion
Religious freedom is officially guaranteed by the constitution, but religious activities are regulated and monitored by the government. Major religions include Buddhism, Taoism, Islam and Christianity.
The government maintains tight control over religious organizations to ensure religion stays in line with socialist values. Moderate practices are accepted. Those deemed extreme may face persecution.
Rules for Foreigners
Foreigners traveling and working in China are subject to specific rules and regulations. Visa requirements can be complex and subject to change.
Foreign businesses face regulatory hurdles and must navigate complex legalities. Internet access is restricted, requiring the use of VPNs to access blocked websites.
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