The Chinese threat With 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 hold the majority of military, economic and cultural influence both internationally and regionally. In this case, spheres of influence developed, meaning that Western and democratic states fell 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 undoubtedly the United States. However, China is encroaching on this title with its rapid educational, economic and military growth. In the race to become the best, China clearly outperforms 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: American Decline). Their economy has grown at an astonishing 9-10% over the past thirty years. years ; almost double what it was several decades ago. China is also “the world’s largest manufacturer and its largest market” (Rachman). The continued growth of the Chinese economy is a source of concern not only for the United States but also for neighboring countries. It could well be argued that the United States need not worry about China's growth due to the spread of globalization and that Western ideologies would cause China to move toward democracy. Yet China still managed to “integrate censorship and one-party rule with continued economic success.” (Rachman) and remains a communist country. Hypothetically, even if China resorts to a democratic state, it does not guarantee that China will dissipate with each new day. continues to invent new technologies and expand its global markets. China is only getting stronger, and if the United States wants to remain a competitor in this race to become the best, we must remain vigilant and continue to not only keep up, but surpass the Chinese. Works Cited Arunachalam, Subbiah. "University World News - CHINA: Investment on the rise in higher education." Academia News - Academia Homepage. June 22, 2008. the web. October 14, 2011. “Pentagon warns that China's military is growing rapidly | Fox News.” Fox News – Latest News Updates | Latest news | News photos and videos. Associated Press, August 24, 2011. Web. October 14. 2011. .