China May Want to Be on Top, But…

Chinese Soldiers

A new book by a Chinese leader urges China to strive to be on top and overtake the USA:

China PLA officer urges challenging U.S. dominance

The call for China to abandon modesty about its global goals and “sprint to become world number one” comes from a People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Senior Colonel, Liu Mingfu, who warns that his nation’s ascent will alarm Washington, risking war despite Beijing’s hopes for a “peaceful rise.” http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6200P620100301

However, despite major economic growth in the past decade, China has problems. Notice what LCG’s Dr. Meredith wrote years ago:

Many publications have suggested that the 21st century will be “China’s century.” Even though the Chinese are fiercely moving forward, and their progress in developing their industries is obvious, these publications are dead wrong for two reasons. First, the inspired word of God describes specifically how a coming European Union will be the dominant force in this world—obviously within the next several years. Therefore, brethren, I would like to focus your mind on this matter so you can more intelligently “watch” world events along this line as they unfold before your very eyes. In the coming years, you will perhaps even see a revolt of the peasants in the outlying Chinese cities, who have lagged far behind the standard of living afforded those who have moved to Beijing and Shanghai. Plus, the tremendous pollution of the water, air and foodstuffs may bring about massive disease epidemics and other problems for the Chinese.

In addition, distracting wars and other events may— as God chooses to guide it—greatly undermine the material progress now being made by the Chinese. Meanwhile, you will soon see the European Union evolve into an absolutely powerful and dynamic force in the world— ultimately to become the “Beast” as revealed in Revelation 17 in your own Bible!

So the 21st century will not be the “Chinese century!” Rather it will appear to become the European century for a few years, until the magnificent return of Jesus Christ as King of kings and Lord of lords. From then on, the 21st century will be, indeed, “Christ’s century!” And all of us who are able to understand the “Big Picture” of world events from God’s point of view should be preparing to help straighten out the appalling degree of suffering, starvation and misconduct we find on this earth today in virtually every nation (Meredith R.C. An Inspiring and Successful Trip. Living Church News. May-June 2007, p. 21).

And even secular sources are starting to teach some of what Dr. Meredith did. Notice the following:

China will do anything to grow its economy, as the alternatives will lead to political unrest. A lot of peasants moved to the cities in search of higher-paying jobs during the go-go times. Because China lacks the social safety net of the developed world, unemployed people aren’t just inconvenienced by the loss of their jobs, they starve (this explains the high savings rate in China) and hungry people don’t complain, they riot. Once you look at what’s taking place in the Chinese economy through that lens, the decisions of its leaders start making sense, or at least become understandable. (Vitaliy N. Katsenelson. China: No Shortcut to Greatness. The Daily Reckoning, March 1, 2010)

China may wish to become number one, but its internal situation is one reason that it will not attain that role in the 21st century.

On the other hand, the Bible tells of a time that there will be a 200 million man army. LCG reported the following in its latest update:

China is rapidly expanding its economy, its military, and its trade relationships with nations around the globe. China wants to be seen as the “leader of the developing world.” The Chinese central government is also working hard on its domestic image as the Communist Party prepares for a very important leadership transition in 2012 (Stratfor.com, February 18, 2010). Bible prophecy indicates that China will likely be part of a major army “from the East” that will descend upon the Holy Land and attack the Beast army near the end of the Great Tribulation (Daniel 11:44-45; Revelation 9:13-17). The Bible also indicates that in the last days there will be “wars and rumors of wars… for nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom” (Matthew 24:6-7). The growing rift between China and the U.S. could move the world towards the fulfillment of these ancient prophecies…Russia is providing most of the hardware for India’s military build-up, and the two nations hold joint military exercises. With a population of well over 1 billion, a robust economy and growing military capabilities, India could provide considerable “bench strength” (in partnership with Russia and China) as part of the end-time “kings from the east” who will bring a 200- million-man army to attack the Beast (Daniel 11:44-45; Revelation 9:13-17).

So, while the 21st century will not belong to China, it likely will align with powers such as Russia and India in order to display major military power. And that power will ultimately used against the coming European Beast power. That is not to say that the USA may not feel threatened by China (it already has), but that China is not expected, from a biblical perspective, to be the single major power of the 21st century.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Asia in Prophecy What is Ahead for Asia? Who are the “Kings of the East”? What will happen to nearly all the Chinese, Russians, Indians, and others of Asia? China in prophecy, where? Who has the 200,000,000 man army related to Armageddon?
Russia: Its Origins and Prophesied Future Where do the Russians come from? What about those in the Ukraine? What is prophesied for Russia and its allies? What will they do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end?
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?