Goodbye America, Hello China? The plot thickens

Being an ardent follower of global affairs, I find the recent events particularly telling and highly interesting. I am referring to the deteriorating state of the United Stated of America as the de-facto World Leader and the rise of the “sleeping dragon” - China. For many years since the end of the Second World War, America has dominated the world stage in terms of economy, military, culture and everything else in between. They are the only remaining superpower country in the whole of planet earth. Things are changing now.

With recent events, America’s military strength is in question. Their economy is faltering and instead of pulling the rest of the world up, they are dragging them down. Its moral ascendancy has also been tarnished reason why their influence over other countries also waned. Everything really rises and falls on leadership. But that’s another topic.

Meanwhile, China is on the rise. Until recently, China has been hailed as the next superpower. Their economy is rising at a rapid speed. Chinese culture is pervasive to the point that even Hollywood movies cater to this demographic. China also plays an important role in brokering peace between nations whose conflict runs long and deep. August 8, 2008 marked a special date for China. It not only showcased the world that it can stage a very successful opening of Olympics, the date also marked as China’s coming out party, a special day to tell the world that it’s now China’s time to take the leadership role in global affairs.

But there's a twist. With the latest China melamine scare that shocked the world, it’s sterling reputation only a few months ago was replaced with doubt. The melamine scare was not only confined with milk products. It now involves other food and non-food products. The world starts to think that almost everything China-made cannot be trusted.

Meanwhile, the US Presidential Elections is just around the corner. For many Americans and other citizens of the world, they see it as a chance to “Change” course and restore America’s leadership. In the Global Electoral College map by The Economist magazine, where a question is asked: What if the whole world could vote?, an overwhelming majority favors Barack Obama (read: Change).

Does this mean America will rise again and restore its role as the force for good in this world? Will China be able to contain the damage of its latest crisis? Will other countries just stand by and watch? Or are we seeing the start of radical change in this world where countries are undermined by unseen forces plotting their next attack?

The plot thickens.