China Expands Global Influence Through Military, Economic, Regional Engagements

China's expanding global influence is multifaceted, encompassing historical, military, economic, and regional dimensions. The century-old Chung Hua Association in Bangkok exemplifies deep-rooted ties between overseas Chinese communities and Taiwan, maintaining cultural heritage amidst pressures from China (Article 1). Militarily, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) is the world's largest armed force, undergoing rapid modernization to achieve global power status by 2049 and enhance capabilities across all warfare domains, including nuclear forces, reflecting Xi Jinping's political ambitions (Article 2). China's international strategy is also evident in Afghanistan, where it pursues a cautious engagement focused on counterterrorism, humanitarian aid, and regional connectivity without formal recognition of the Taliban, balancing influence amid competing powers (Article 3). Concurrently, China’s Belt and Road Initiative serves as a strategic tool for expanding economic and military influence worldwide, leveraging infrastructure investments to gain footholds in nearly 150 countries, aiming to supplant the Western-led global order by mid-century (Article 4). In Southeast Asia, China's patronage of groups like the Red Wa in Myanmar has implications for regional security and environmental health, with civil society urging stronger governmental action against associated mining and trafficking activities (Article 5).