The world has changed; the unipolar era is over. The new reality is clear: China has already become a core power in the global balance – alongside the United States, Europe and other emerging actors. Its mandate may not yet be formally recognized, but its influence is already shaping the present.
In just four decades, China has lifted 800 million people out of poverty – the greatest development achievement in human history. Today its weight in global trade is undeniable; in electric vehicles, batteries, 5G and artificial intelligence, it sets the standard. China does not merely speak about technology – it makes it a reality. 10G does not remain a promise – it becomes reality.
This ambition is equally evident in security. China commands a formidable military, yet its true strength lies not in waging war but in deterrence. From the South China Sea to Africa, it stands as a quiet guarantor of stability. The Belt and Road Initiative reshapes not only trade routes but also strategic balances. Such vast projects can only succeed if they are built on transparency, reciprocity and respect for national interests. Victory lies not in the roar of cannons, but in the discipline of patience.
China’s success cannot be measured by numbers alone. It is rooted in discipline, social cohesion and a culture of long-term planning. Nations that move closer to China gain not only economic opportunities but also trust and stability. Its silence is often the loudest message.
Many countries now feel the limits of one-sided dependence on traditional power centers. Their citizens demand change – not only in domestic politics, but also in the global order. China embodies this expectation and has become one of the new poles of equilibrium. At the same time, it remains clear that the United States, Europe and other players are indispensable pillars of the system. The world is shifting from unipolarity to multipolarity, and within that lies the real opportunity: for nations to pursue balance within a wider arena.
In uncertain times, one value stands above all: predictability. While the West is shaken by crises, China offers reassurance through its long-term consistency.
Thus China has become the name of an era. With economic strength, strategic deterrence, social discipline and diplomatic steadiness, it stands as a defining force – an election victor still awaiting formal recognition.
Nations therefore face only one question: ride the wave, or be swept away by it?
Partnership with China brings opportunity. It opens new markets, attracts investment, strengthens security and lends predictability to diplomacy. It builds durable trust between nations and offers independence from one-sided pressure. At the same time, societies remain cautious about permanent migration. The expectation is clear: let investment flow, but ensure that jobs primarily benefit local citizens; visas and residence rights must remain strictly regulated; and the demographic balance of cities must not be fundamentally altered. If these assurances are upheld, concerns will fade and trust will deepen.
The conclusion is clear: The future will be written through multipolar cooperation – and China will be one of its strongest architects.
Çetin Ay
President, BWA Turkiye