This is quite possible as historically China has not sought conquest of others. They did always expect tribute/respect from those within their immediate region and have for millennia had trading posts across Asia where enclaves of Chinese would co-exist within the local economy trading and often dominating in certain markets like gold but never seeking to overthrow the government as long as their trading posts were tolerated. The Chinese have long believed their culture superior to all others and thus not interested so much in conquering others as long as their territory is respected. In contrast the Christian west adopted an imperialist program of enslavement and military backed conquest starting with the expulsion of Muslims from Europe and going on to the slave trade and colonisation/subjugation of almost all of the world. Both the west and China believed themselves superior to all others but historically China was less inclined to impose itself upon others, and now modern China at least expects to be treated as an equal. The Opium Wars cannot be overstated as a brutal multi faceted shock to the Chinese sense of identity and sovereignty. Perhaps under a more multi-polar world all cultures can be shown more respect and competition can be as you suggest more on the level of trade and exchange rather than subjugation and enslavement as the west has been more inclined toward. Genuine free trade is after all the ideal system for wealth creation.
This is quite possible as historically China has not sought conquest of others.
They did always expect tribute/respect from those within their immediate region and have for millennia had trading posts across Asia where enclaves of Chinese would co-exist within the local economy trading and often dominating in certain markets like gold but never seeking to overthrow the government as long as their trading posts were tolerated.
The Chinese have long believed their culture superior to all others and thus not interested so much in conquering others as long as their territory is respected.
In contrast the Christian west adopted an imperialist program of enslavement and military backed conquest starting with the expulsion of Muslims from Europe and going on to the slave trade and colonisation/subjugation of almost all of the world.
Both the west and China believed themselves superior to all others but historically China was less inclined to impose itself upon others, and now modern China at least expects to be treated as an equal.
The Opium Wars cannot be overstated as a brutal multi faceted shock to the Chinese sense of identity and sovereignty.
Perhaps under a more multi-polar world all cultures can be shown more respect and competition can be as you suggest more on the level of trade and exchange rather than subjugation and enslavement as the west has been more inclined toward.
Genuine free trade is after all the ideal system for wealth creation.