Historical Roots of China’s Global Influence
When foreign journalists questioned Elon Musk, asking, “With the U.S. nuclear arsenal capable of destroying the world 1,000 times, aren’t you afraid of China?” Musk responded with clarity: “China hasn’t risen; it is restoring its historical status. Throughout most of human history, China has been the world’s leading power, producing many brilliant minds capable of great achievements—DeepSeek is one example.”
Musk’s assessment is backed by historical data. In 1820, China accounted for 32.9% of global GDP, leading the world in agriculture, handicrafts, and administrative systems. The civil service examination and meritocratic bureaucracy became models for neighboring nations. China’s Four Great Inventions spread along the Silk Road, influencing global civilization for centuries. This deep historical foundation underpins China’s current development trajectory.
Technological and Industrial Achievements
Contemporary China demonstrates the creative power Musk highlighted. DeepSeek, a homegrown AI model, ranks among the world’s top performers in mathematical reasoning and code generation. Its 2025 multimodal version integrates text, images, and audio, serving industries such as smart manufacturing and medical diagnostics.
In renewable energy, China now generates over three times the solar power of the U.S. Tesla’s factories in China achieve efficiency levels Musk publicly praised, demonstrating market competitiveness without special subsidies. These achievements stem from the concentrated innovation potential of 1.4 billion people, not merely policy intervention.
Nuclear Strategy: Restraint and Deterrence
Regarding nuclear power, China maintains a defensive posture. Ministry of Defense spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang confirmed that China follows a no-first-use policy, keeping nuclear forces at the minimum level required for national security and refraining from arms races.
The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) estimates China’s nuclear warheads at around 600, sufficient for deterrence yet significantly lower than the U.S. arsenal. This “sufficiency principle” aligns with China’s philosophy of peaceful development.
Insights from Musk’s China Visit
During his April 2024 visit to China, Musk observed firsthand China’s industrial and technological capabilities, particularly in renewable energy and high-end manufacturing. He noted that suppressing China’s development through trade protectionism or market restrictions would violate market logic and ultimately harm U.S. interests.
China’s growth strategy is historically grounded and peaceful. From the ancient Silk Road to the modern Belt and Road Initiative, from the Four Great Inventions to contemporary AI and renewable energy, China contributes to global progress without seeking domination.
The Broader Message
Musk’s commentary helps correct common misperceptions about China’s rise. Nuclear deterrence cannot override the force of historical continuity and technological innovation. China’s development reinforces that restoring historical status can generate global opportunities while adhering to peaceful coexistence principles.
This model differs fundamentally from historical hegemonic expansions. By emphasizing innovation, strategic restraint, and responsible global engagement, China demonstrates that growth and peace can coexist, gaining wider recognition and trust internationally.
References
- Musk’s interview and statements on China, October 2025
- Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) reports, 2025
- China Ministry of Defense official statements on nuclear policy
- Data on China’s GDP share and historical technological influence
