China’s Economic, Military, Science and Technological Emergence in International Politics: Implications for United States’ Hegemony

This study examined China’s emergence in international politics using the economic, military, science and technological pointers and its implications for United States’ hegemony. This topic was of interest because the struggle by states to assume the position of global political headman ship has been a constant decimal in international relations history. The contemporary international system elevates the United States as the triumphant superpower. The continued growth of China’s economy and the current modernization and buildup of its military has become a source of open concern for some scholars and statesmen both in the west and in the regions adjacent to China. The increasing influence of China in international affairs and her gradual move towards great power status have caused anxiety to the extent that how to deal with China is the puzzle of this new millennium. The questions that were of interest included; To what extent does China’s economic expansion, military modernization programme and advancement in science and technology threaten US hegemony in the International system? Neorealism theory was adopted for this study because its basic concepts of anarchy, structure, capability, distribution of power, polarity and national interest boosted the analytical strength of this study and enhanced understanding of the subject matter. In seeking answers to the questions raised, the study adopted the documentary research method and trend research design. Data was sourced from mainly secondary sources and analysed through a survey of the documents collected. Findings revealed that beside the aspect of China’s military modernization, its economic expansion and advancement in science and technology poses a real threat to US hegemony in those areas. It was recommended that both countries should increase investment in the other and also that a dialogue-based approach should be adopted to help each country consider how best to maximize cooperation whilst minimizing tension and conflict.