Strategies of China and United States from last 24 years 2000-2024

From 2000 to 2024, let us take a cursory look at the policies of major powers, particularly China and the United States. What direction the world will take in 2025 and beyond remains to be seen. However, analyzing the period from 2000 to 2024 gives us an understanding of which country promoted peace and mutual cooperation and which country plunged millions of lives into the abyss of war. Let us first discuss China, which is Pakistan’s neighboring country. Over the past 24 years, China has made significant contributions to promoting global cooperation. The period from 2001 to 2021 has been especially important internationally. While the United States launched its so-called “War on Terror” in Afghanistan, the People’s Republic of China adopted a prudent and positive approach. As always, China refrained from interfering in others’ internal matters.
China’s demeanor, from its inception to the present day, has been that of a peace-loving nation. China’s approach over these 24 years has been characterized by peace, development, love and mutual cooperation, setting an unparalleled example. During this time, China emerged as a nation steadfast in its pursuit of sustainable peace. It avoided any form of warmongering or military aggression. Instead, China’s focus remained on fostering mutual cooperation, trade and improving economic relations with countries worldwide. In 2002, a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was initiated between China and ASEAN countries, which included 10 nations. In 2006, Chile and China signed an FTA to strengthen economic relations. In 2008, China and New Zealand formalized their trade agreement, followed by trade agreements between China and Singapore in 2009. Similarly, trade between China and Peru commenced formally in 2009 and 2010.
In 2013 and 2014, significant progress was made in China’s trade policies, as formal trade relations were established with Switzerland and Europe. In 2015, China began economic cooperation with South Korea and expanded trade with Australia, initiating a partnership in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). From 2020 to 2022, China’s collaborations extended to include 14 NATO countries, highlighting its growing global influence.
In 2023, China started trade cooperation with Serbia through formal agreements. China’s collaborations have extended to Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and African nations, covering nearly 53 countries. Turkey and other regional nations also reflect China’s increasing influence through its peaceful and cooperative trade policies.
If we examine the global landscape, out of 196 countries, 151 are part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), showcasing immense trust in China’s vision. In Africa, 44 nations participate in China’s economic projects, along with 34 in Europe and Central Asia, 25 in East Asia and the Pacific, 19 in Latin America, and 6 in South Asia.
Since its founding in 1949 and the Communist Revolution, China has projected an image of economic cooperation, prudence and unity. By avoiding regional conflicts and bringing nations together on a single platform, China’s successful policies have gained the trust of 90% of the world’s countries. This reflects the global recognition of China’s strategic economic planning and peaceful initiatives.
On the other hand, there is another great power that remained engaged in various international matters from 2000 to 2022. Let us take a detailed look at it. The United States adhered to its traditional policy rooted in its foundation in 1776. From its very inception, war mania has been a prominent feature of American policies. These 24 years narrate a horrifying tale of American war obsession and policies, demonstrating how conflicts were fueled globally, leading to widespread violence and destruction.
From 2001 to 2021, the war on terror in Afghanistan and the Iraq War (2003-2011) are glaring examples. Similarly, in 2004, Pakistan’s tribal areas in North-West Frontier Province (now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) and Balochistan witnessed direct intervention, with relentless drone strikes from 2004 to 2006. These strikes were a direct assault on Pakistan’s sovereignty.
In 2010, the United States supplied Israel with military equipment, enabling Israel to carry out the mass killing of innocent Palestinians. In 2011, the civil war in Libya was initiated, with NATO forces supporting groups against Gaddafi. Libya, once a prosperous and developing nation, has since plunged into chaos, with the credit for this devastation going to the United States.
In 2014, the U.S. intervened in Syria, while in 2015, Yemen’s civil war began. From 2017 to 2019, U.S. relations with North Korea remained extremely tense, with threats of nuclear war disrupting global peace. The U.S. fueled this unrest instead of resolving it.
On August 15, 2021, Kabul fell back into the hands of the Taliban, marking a disgraceful defeat for the United States. American forces fled Afghanistan under the cover of darkness, ending their 20-year-long campaign on a shameful note. In the following years, the U.S. actively engaged in the Russia-Ukraine war, supporting Ukraine despite the responsibility of great powers to promote peace rather than conflicts.
Even China was not spared. In 2020, the U.S. interfered in China’s internal matters and supported Taiwan. China’s stance on Taiwan remains clear, yet the U.S. continued to challenge it. Over the past two decades, relations with Iran also deteriorated significantly, with Iran facing severe sanctions due to American policies.
The difference between the roles of the U.S. and China in global affairs is as vast as the earth and sky. Today’s America and today’s China prove that progress is only possible through peace, while war and war mania bring poverty, deprivation, and destruction. Currently, America faces rising poverty within its borders, with millions lacking basic necessities like housing and clothing.
Meanwhile, the world is showing trust in China, joining its initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative, which is benefiting over 150 countries. America must learn from China’s strategies. When China began its economic reforms in 1978, the U.S. was already embroiled in its war strategies against the USSR-a focus it has maintained to this day.
Let us see how American policies unfold in 2025 and whether the pattern of war obsession continues or changes.