President Xi Jinping of China has repeatedly invoked a phrase that has become a cornerstone of his foreign policy pronouncements: “great changes unseen in a century.” This recurring motif, first articulated by Deng Xiaoping in the late 1970s, has been recontextualized by Xi to describe the current global landscape, signaling a profound belief within Beijing that the world is undergoing a fundamental transformation. The phrase, according to analysts and observers of Chinese foreign policy, encapsulates a vision of a world order in flux, one where China is poised to play a significantly more dominant role.
Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the “great changes” Xi refers to are not merely incremental shifts but represent a seismic upheaval in international relations, economics, and power dynamics. This perspective is rooted in a deep-seated belief within the Chinese Communist Party that the post-World War II international system, largely shaped by the United States and its allies, is inherently unstable and is now giving way to a new era. This new era, as envisioned by Beijing, would feature a multipolar world with China as a central pole, challenging the unipolar dominance that the U.S. has enjoyed since the collapse of the Soviet Union.
The historical context of the phrase is crucial to understanding its contemporary significance. Deng Xiaoping used it to describe the period of reform and opening up that China was embarking upon, a time of unprecedented economic growth and societal change. Xi Jinping has adopted and adapted this phrase, applying it to the global stage. This suggests that China sees itself not just as a beneficiary of global changes but as an active architect of them. The “great changes” are thus not something happening *to* the world, but something China is helping to *create*.
Several key elements underpin this perception of “great changes.” Economically, the rise of China as a manufacturing powerhouse and a major consumer market has fundamentally altered global trade patterns and supply chains. The Belt and Road Initiative, a massive infrastructure and investment project spanning continents, is a tangible manifestation of China’s ambition to reshape global economic connectivity and influence. This initiative, according to reports, is seen by Beijing as a means to foster a more China-centric global economy, where developing nations are more closely integrated with Chinese economic strategies.
Geopolitically, the phrase reflects a growing assertiveness in China’s foreign policy. This assertiveness is evident in its approach to regional issues, such as the South China Sea, and its broader engagement with international institutions. China’s increasing willingness to challenge established norms and advocate for a different vision of global governance, one that emphasizes state sovereignty and non-interference, is a direct consequence of this belief in transformative change. The “great changes” are also seen as an opportunity to rectify what China perceives as historical injustices and to establish a more equitable international order, one that better reflects the rise of non-Western powers.
The technological dimension is another critical component. China’s rapid advancements in areas such as artificial intelligence, 5G telecommunications, and renewable energy are viewed by Beijing as evidence of its growing technological prowess and its ability to compete with, and in some cases surpass, Western nations. This technological competition is not merely about economic advantage; it is also about setting global standards and shaping the future of innovation, further contributing to the “great changes” in the global order.
Furthermore, the phrase can be interpreted as a justification for China’s domestic policies, particularly its emphasis on strong leadership and centralized control. The argument is that in a period of such profound global flux, a strong and stable hand is necessary to navigate the complexities and ensure China’s continued rise. This narrative helps to legitimize the Communist Party’s rule and its vision for China’s future, both domestically and internationally.
The implications of Xi’s repeated use of this phrase are far-reaching. It signals a clear departure from China’s previous posture of Deng Xiaoping’s “hide your strength, bide your time” approach. Instead, China under Xi is signaling a readiness to take on a more prominent and assertive role on the world stage, actively shaping the international agenda. This shift has been met with a mixture of concern and adaptation from other global powers, as they grapple with the implications of a world where the established order is increasingly being challenged by a rising China.
The “great changes” narrative also serves as a rhetorical tool to rally domestic support and to project an image of confidence and inevitability regarding China’s ascent. By framing current events as part of a historical epoch of profound transformation, Beijing seeks to imbue its actions with a sense of historical destiny. This narrative is particularly potent in the context of perceived Western decline or stagnation, further bolstering the argument for a new global configuration of power.
In essence, Xi Jinping’s “great changes unseen in a century” is more than just a slogan; it is a strategic framework that underpins China’s foreign policy objectives. It reflects a belief that the world is at a pivotal moment, and that China is not merely observing these changes but is actively driving them towards a new international order where its influence is paramount. This perspective is shaping China’s engagement with the world, from its economic initiatives to its diplomatic maneuvers and its technological ambitions, marking a significant inflection point in global affairs.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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