In the 21st century, one may view China's influence in the Middle East in a similar vein.
They predict a growth in China's cultural influence, but believe this will take time.
Mr. Panetta, who disclosed the naval plans in an address to an annual international security conference here, stressed that the rising U.S. force levels shouldn't be seen as a threat to China but as a stabilizing influence in a rapidly developing region.
It has distinguished itself by the virtuosity of its rhythmic patterns (changqiang) and has exerted a dominant influence on all the more recent forms of opera in China, the Sichuan or Beijing opera.
It is still the case that the dollar and the euro play a greater role beyond their natural spheres of influence than does the RMB but that is changing in favor of China.
FORBES: China Taking Asia Further From Dollar, Even Further From Euro
Along with China's enhanced investment in Africa comes increasing influence.
India was granted observer status in the SCO last year and while its intentions regarding full membership are unclear at this time, the Russia and China led alliance would allow New Delhi a greater influence in Central Asia, which it desires, and at least ostensible cooperation in counterterrorism efforts.
China has a long-standing interest in extending its influence in Africa.
ECONOMIST: A selection of news from around the business campuses
Both of them say a lot about China, the United States and their positions of wealth and influence in the world.
The sale has proved controversial in Canada, amid concerns that it will give China too much influence over Canada's oil industry.
BBC: Nexen sale to China's CNOOC backed by Canada government
And I think leaders in the region understand that as China grows, as its economic influence expands, that the expectation is, is that they will be a responsible leader in the world economy -- which is what the United States has tried to do.
WHITEHOUSE: President Obama Holds a Press Conference at the APEC Summit
China has also started playing a larger international role, competing for influence in some of the world's most important energy basins.
Expectations for a sustained improvement, particularly in key emerging economies such as China and India, will continue to influence the direction of the oil market.
China is in a state where entrepreneurs' major desire is to gain influence and wealth.
Their influence has been increasing in recent years, particularly since the government, in 2003, set up the China Bank Regulatory Commission to oversee banking industry.
While India produces more films and China has bigger studios, the industry based in this sprawling US state has an unmatched influence across the globe.
China, experts say, is keen to lock in strategic commodity supplies rather than exercise political influence at this juncture.
Both countries are members of the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation, a grouping of Central Asian nations that both China and Russia have been nurturing (with limited success) as a counterbalance to America's influence in the region.
应用推荐