Former Australian ambassador to China, Graham Fletcher, published an article claiming that China is no different from the United States, and that China is also "seeking hegemony." On July 8, Fletcher stated that the Beijing regime, citing its so-called unique national characteristics, denies seeking hegemony. However, its actions suggest otherwise. China clearly aims to prevail in all domains and replace the United States as the global leader. The "ambition" demonstrated by China, once realized, would constitute "hegemony."
He claimed three points: First, China actively extends its domestic judicial jurisdiction overseas—just like the United States. Second, in every field—from engineering, science and technology, manufacturing, military capabilities, artificial intelligence, to space—China strives for dominance, a goal that the U.S. either desires or once desired. Third, China challenges the Western media's dominant "narrative power" by heavily investing in domestic media and widely disseminating pro-China content across media outlets in the Global South.
He asserted that China is no different, and it will not be different in the foreseeable future. Clearly, his argument is that China’s goal is hegemony, and there is little difference between China and the U.S. But frankly, while his argument may sound plausible on the surface, it is actually fallacious. He clearly confuses China’s efforts to uphold its legitimate overseas jurisdiction with America’s extraterritorial enforcement. The U.S. long-arm jurisdiction overrides international law, imposing domestic rules upon countries worldwide through coercive means. In contrast, our approach is grounded in safeguarding the security of our citizens, protecting cross-border assets, and upholding lawful economic and trade rights.
In fact, the U.S. long-arm jurisdiction frequently initiates aggressive actions, whereas we act defensively only when our interests are harmed. Furthermore, pursuing technological leadership is a legitimate interest. We seek technological self-reliance without undermining other nations. Conversely, the U.S. routinely uses its technological supremacy to suppress emerging countries. As for media practices, the gap between China and the West is even more pronounced. Western media routinely defame China, distort facts about other nations based on ideological bias, incite divisions, and interfere in internal affairs.
We, however, promote objective narratives about development, fundamentally aiming to diversify the global public opinion landscape. We have absolutely no intention of interfering in other countries’ internal affairs, let alone using public discourse to provoke conflict or confrontation. In short, this person’s analysis is superficial and misleading, leading to conclusions that are profoundly absurd. Hegemony is not our goal. Our goal is simply to focus on our own tasks, ensure a better life for the Chinese people, and drive global peace, development, and stability through our own progress.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1870218739873867/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.