China is often treated as a singular case. While sometimes useful, such an approach has decided drawbacks. It is easy to lose sight of the fact that some developmental processes must pass through a series of stages that are universally observable and cannot easily be skipped. By adopting a broad comparative perspective China scholars can avoid this trap. Mapping China’s developmental achievements against those of other rising powers – not only within the Asia Pacific region – using clearly defined criteria can yield a foothold not only for a fair evaluation of China’s present status, but also of its potential for further progress.
China is often treated as a singular case. While sometimes useful, such an approach has decided drawbacks. It is easy to lose sight of the fact that some developmental processes must pass through a series of stages that are universally observable and cannot easily be skipped. By adopting a broad comparative perspective China scholars can avoid this trap. Mapping China’s developmental achievements against those of other rising powers – not only within the Asia Pacific region – using clearly defined criteria can yield a foothold not only for a fair evaluation of China’s present status, but also of its potential for further progress. During 3 years as a naval analyst with Blohm + Voss the author had the chance to learn from numerous people in related industries, naval procurement agencies, and naval forces. She is indebted to all of them. Especial thanks are due to Jöorg Möoller for generously sharing his expert knowledge. She is also grateful to Hiroki Takeuchi, who commented on a first (and much more detailed) draft during the ISA Annual Convention 2011 at Montréal, Canada, March 16–19, 2011. Any errors remain the author’s sole responsibility.