Meaning: The quote by Fred Thompson, a former politician, reflects on China's historical approach to foreign policy and its interactions with other nations. Thompson suggests that although China has not sought to dominate the entire world, it has been assertive and proactive in asserting its influence and pursuing its interests within its own region. This perspective offers valuable insight into China's geopolitical behavior and its impact on global affairs.

Throughout history, China has indeed demonstrated a pattern of focusing on consolidating power and influence in its immediate vicinity rather than seeking global domination. This approach can be traced back to ancient times when Chinese dynasties sought to expand their territories and exert control over neighboring regions. The concept of the "Middle Kingdom" or Zhongguo, which represents the idea of China as the central and dominant civilization, has long been ingrained in Chinese political and cultural thought. This worldview has guided China's foreign policy, emphasizing its role as a regional power with a sphere of influence encompassing East Asia and beyond.

One of the key manifestations of China's regional assertiveness can be observed in its territorial disputes and historical claims in the South China Sea and East China Sea. China's assertive actions in these maritime regions, including the construction of artificial islands and military installations, have raised tensions with neighboring countries and drawn international scrutiny. Additionally, China's assertiveness in territorial claims has led to friction with nations such as Japan, Vietnam, the Philippines, and others, as they seek to protect their own interests and sovereignty in the face of China's expanding influence.

Economically, China has pursued initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a means of extending its economic reach across Asia, Africa, and Europe. The BRI, often described as a modern Silk Road, involves infrastructure development projects and investments in numerous countries, thereby enhancing China's economic presence and connectivity in its neighboring regions. While presenting economic opportunities for participating countries, the BRI has also been scrutinized for its potential to increase China's geopolitical influence and leverage in the affected regions.

Furthermore, China's diplomatic and military activities in the Asia-Pacific region have been characterized by a mix of cooperation and assertiveness. The establishment of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) reflects China's efforts to shape regional institutions and mechanisms, promoting its own vision of regional order and development. Simultaneously, China's military modernization and assertive posture in territorial disputes have raised concerns among its neighbors and other global powers, leading to strategic recalibrations and security partnerships in the region.

In the realm of global governance, China has increasingly sought a more prominent role in shaping international norms and institutions. This is evident in its engagement with multilateral organizations such as the United Nations, where China has sought to expand its influence and promote its own interpretation of global governance principles. Through initiatives like the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), China has also sought to establish alternative frameworks for regional cooperation, challenging the traditional dominance of Western-led institutions.

In conclusion, Fred Thompson's quote offers a thought-provoking perspective on China's historical approach to global affairs, emphasizing the nation's assertiveness in pursuing its interests within its own sphere of influence. By examining China's behavior through the lens of regional power dynamics and historical context, we can gain a deeper understanding of its foreign policy objectives and their implications for the broader international community. As China continues to rise as a major global power, its actions and interactions with neighboring countries will undoubtedly shape the future trajectory of geopolitics in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.