Can Power Make a Great State? Asian Citizens' Views of China's Power

With its rapid economic growth, China has become the second largest economy. At the same time, a rapid increase in its defense expenditure and expanding maritime ambitions have raised concerns among other Asian nations. Moreover, by displaying its economic and military might China's recent assertive actions in the East China Sea and South China Sea seem to “prove” longstanding worries regarding China's threats. This article reviews the traditional Chinese philosophy of the great state and argues that China unfortunately deviates from it. Cross-national survey data show that Asian citizens widely acknowledge the rising power of China. Nevertheless, an expansion of economic and military power fails to yield more positive evaluations. The country's pursuit of power and blunt foreign policy push neighboring states to welcome an expansion of Japan's military role and to intensify their security ties with the United States to achieve a balance of power. There needs to be a shift in China's foreign policy to earn trust and respect from its Asian neighbors. Power can create a hegemon but it definitely will not make China a great state.