The Threat of ChinaWith the end of the Cold War, two superpowers emerged: the United States and the Soviet Union. The international system was then considered bipolar, a system in which power is distributed in which two states have the majority of military, economic and cultural influence both internationally and regionally. In this case, spheres of influence developed, meaning that Western, democratic states came under the influence of the United States while most communist states were under the influence of the Soviet Union. Today the international system is no longer bipolar, since there can only be one superpower and that nation is unquestionably the United States. However, China is encroaching on this title with its rapid growth educationally, economically and militarily. In the race to be the best, China is clearly outperforming the United States. China has strong economic fundamentals, such as “a high savings rate, a huge labor pool, and a powerful work ethic” (Rachman, Gideon. "Think Again: American Decline). Their economy has grown by an astonishing 9 -10% over the last thirty years; almost double what it was decades ago. China is also the “world's largest producer and its largest market” (Rachman). they don't have to worry about China's growth due to the spread of globalization and that Western ideologies would influence China to turn to democracy. Yet China has still managed to “incorporate censorship and one-party rule with continued economic success” (Rachman) and remains a country Hypothetically, even if China were to resort to a democratic state, this does not mean that China will dissipate every day continues to invent new technologies and expand its global markets. China is getting stronger and stronger, and if the United States wants to remain a contender to be the best in this race, we must stay alert and continue to not only keep pace, but outperform the Chinese. Works Cited Arunachalam, Subbiah. “University World News - CHINA: Investment in tertiary education on the rise.” News from the university world - Home page of the university world. June 22, 2008. Web. October 14, 2011. "Pentagon Warns China's Military Growing Rapidly | Fox News." Fox News - Breaking News Updates | Latest news | News photos and videos. Associated Press, August 24, 2011. Web. October 14. 2011. .