China—The Red Dragon Awakens

AFTER nearly two centuries of humiliation and decline, the imperial Chinese Dragon is stirring again and moving purposefully toward the center of the world stage. Once termed “a slumbering giant” and the “sick man of Asia,” China is rapidly emerging as the new epicenter of Asian industry, trade, finance—and military power.

On September 3, 2025, Beijing celebrated the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan with a massive military parade. Over 12,000 troops of the People’s Liberation Army marched down Chang’an Avenue, displaying China’s modernized arsenal to the world. This was not just a commemoration of past victories—it was a declaration of present strength and future ambition.

The New Epicenter of Power

China now stands as the world’s second-largest economy, trailing only the United States. According to IMF data, it accounts for nearly 18% of global GDP and is the world’s leading exporter of goods. Its Belt and Road Initiative stretches across Asia, Africa, and Europe, funding ports, railroads, and highways that extend China’s reach and create economic dependencies.

Militarily, China boasts the world’s largest standing army, with more than 2 million active personnel, and its naval fleet now surpasses that of the U.S. in sheer numbers. Its advances in cyber warfare, artificial intelligence, and hypersonic missiles demonstrate ambitions that go far beyond regional dominance.

Napoleon once predicted: “When China wakes, it will shake the world.” Today, that prediction is coming to life before our eyes.

Eurasia: The World’s Battleground

The Eurasian landmass, home to 75% of the world’s population, has witnessed the rise and fall of countless empires. Now, China—the Red Dragon—is asserting itself as the dominant force on this vast stage. Its alliance with Russia, combined with its economic influence over Europe, Africa, and Asia, positions it as a central actor in the unfolding end-time drama.

China’s rise does not occur in isolation. It signals the decline of American influence, growing instability in Europe, and the eventual clash of global powers prophesied to occur before the return of Jesus Christ.

China’s Rise in Numbers (Economy & Military at a Glance)

▪️Population: 1.4 billion (17% of global population)

▪️Economy: ~18% of world GDP (IMF, 2025)

▪️Trade: World’s largest exporter of goods

▪️Belt & Road Initiative: Investments in 150+ countries

▪️Military: 2 million active troops (largest in the world)

▪️Navy: 370+ warships (largest fleet globally by number)

▪️Defense Budget: $224 billion (second only to the U.S.)

▪️Technology: Advancing in AI, cyber warfare, and hypersonic missiles

But the rise of China cannot be fully understood without looking at the Bible’s prophetic lens.

China and the “East” in Prophecy

Scripture makes clear that in the "end times", forces from the east will play a dramatic role. Hosea warned of an “east wind” that would bring destruction (Hosea 13:15–16).

As a warning to the house of Israel, he wrote:

“All your fortresses shall be plundered” (Hosea 10:14).

Likewise, Deuteronomy 28:25 foretold Israel’s defeat and scattering among the nations.

The book of Daniel provides another critical clue. Speaking of the end-time “king of the North,” Daniel records:

“But news from the east and the north shall trouble him” (Daniel 11:44).

To the east and north of Jerusalem lie none other than China and Russia—two rising powers that will one day shake the world order.

In Revelation 16:12, John describes the drying up of the Euphrates River to prepare the way for the “kings from the east.” This enormous eastern coalition, numbering 200 million soldiers (Revelation 9:16), will march toward the Middle East during the final climactic events leading to Christ’s return.

A Call to Discernment--

Many commentators see China’s rise merely as a geopolitical or economic trend. But the Bible reveals a deeper truth: this is part of God’s prophetic plan. The return of the Dragon is not the end of the story—it is a step closer to the return of the King of Kings.

Jesus Christ warned His followers: “Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man” (Luke 21:36).

We live in prophetic times. The rise of China is shaking the world, but soon, all nations—including this great power from the East—will be humbled before the returning Christ. Only His Kingdom will bring true peace to this troubled world.