A lot happens in 4000 years. For one being to experience it,
let alone endure all its hardships, and still manage to find moments of joy and
reasons to smile is incredible.

That said, I’d like to take this post to go over how strong
China is in all facets. He’s not weak, nor is he lame. In fact, he’s likely one
of the richest characters in the series considering everything that he’s been
through.

Physical Strength: 

As mentioned, China’s lived for several millennia.

Now, imagine how painful that would be for him to bear.
Every time a country experiences an economic recession and/ or political struggle
(e.g., war) their health declines, they get scars, and their bodies begin to
ache [x].

This is especially the case for China, who’s had a particularly
rough history [x].

Ex: As early as when he first meets Japan, China’s still
considerably old, despite being dubbed as “Young China.” He’s spotted complaining about the aches and pains that his
country’s political struggles cause him.

Ex: After Japan betrays him, it’s hinted that China’s
developed several scars on his back. Point is, he’s endured.

Ex: While America’s perception may be exaggerated, the fact
that he, as someone bearing super strength, thinks that China is strong is
pretty telling. It’s a clear acknowledgment of China’s strength.

Ex: In the “Hetalia of the Dead” strips, other nations show
fear at the prospect of China being able to summon a dark spirit.

On the other hand, due to how long China’s lived, his
physical body has aged.

Ex: He tires and gets worn out easily.

Ex: He’s stiff from age, albeit flexible in weird places [x]. 

While he may be “lazy” in his everyday life [x] and regardless
of how much it tires him, China still pushes through with “feats of strength.”

Ex: He’s a sore loser and stubbornly tries to touch his toes
when stretching.

Ex: He goes to world meetings and events at the cost of
getting fatigued.

Mental Strength:

Back to history, China’s ability to cope and function from
all the adversities he’s faced is unarguably a strength in itself.

Despite being betrayed by Japan [x], he eventually overcame his grudge.

In the present, he
and Japan are sometimes spotted working together.

Ex: He works on strengthening his diplomatic ties with
Japan. 

Ex: He asks Japan to design him a New Years’ postcard [x].

Ex: In a character note, it’s explicitly stated that his history
has made him thick-skinned. He’s “tough mentally.”

No one likes change, but it’s inescapable, especially for
someone like China. 

Ex: On several occasions, he’s been shown to be melancholic and
upset over how drastically the world has changed.

Economic Strength:

Obviously, he’s become an economic superpower in modern
times, and while his old age prevents him from assuming the same physical strength
as a younger country in a similar position would – like America – the strength
is in his performance.

Ex: He’s very up-to-date with technology and squashes
competition for production costs [x] – although unmentioned, this is at the
consequence of terrible working conditions for his people. It’s important to
recognize that.

Ex: He’s referred to as a powerhouse, regardless of the fact that he gains weight due to rising Chinese obesity rates.

Ex:There’s also this beautiful sequence where Hima draws out a scenario from a movie he watched. China holds America as collateral until the latter’s
debt owed to him is paid [x].

In sum, while China may be weakened by old age, he’s far
from lame and he’s anything but a plain character. If anything, the series
could really use a lot more of him.