Geopolitical Strategies of Contemporary China in the Context of the Transformation of the Global Order and Their Implications for Ukraine

Abstract

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the strategies pursued by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to achieve global leadership amid the transformation of the contemporary international order. The study employs an interdisciplinary approach and examines the economic, technological, geopolitical, security, and ideological dimensions of China’s global policy. It argues that China’s model of expanding international influence is systemic and long-term in nature, combining elements of state-led strategic planning, market mechanisms, and purposeful external expansion. Based on an analysis of strategic policy documents, reports by leading analytical centres, statistical and monitoring data, and scholarly publications, the article demonstrates that China is implementing a multidimensional strategy of global influence. In the economic domain, the “dual circulation” strategy aims to strengthen domestic demand while expanding external economic ties, positioning the PRC as a key actor in global value chains. Particular attention is given to the Belt and Road Initiative, which is interpreted not only as a transport and infrastructure project but also as an instrument of China’s geo-economic and political influence across Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America. In the technological sphere, China has made significant advances in critical sectors such as artificial intelligence, fifth-generation telecommunications, and advanced energy technologies. The article also analyses the current dynamics of PRC-EU relations, characterised by a combination of economic interdependence and growing strategic rivalry. It shows that the EU increasingly perceives China not only as a trading partner but also as a systemic competitor and a strategic challenge, particularly in the areas of technology, investment security, and regulatory influence. This development reshapes the broader. The author also examines the implications of China’s growing global influence for Ukraine. The article argues that the evolution of PRC-EU relations and the fragmentation of the global economy create both risks and opportunities for Ukraine. While maintaining its strategic partnership with the United States and commitment to European integration, Ukraine must also adapt its foreign economic policy to China’s growing role in global supply chains and international trade. The conclusions emphasise that China’s contemporary geopolitical strategies constitute a long-term project reshaping the rules of international politics, economics, and security. The article underscores the importance of continued systematic research to support evidence-based policymaking and enable Ukraine to adapt its national strategies to a rapidly changing international environment.