As every assignment from every class seems to begin to due at the same time, we

know that with a tinge of excitement, as well as a bit (maybe a lot) of sleep
deprivation, the final exam week is approaching. Since this will be my last post this
semester, I figure what would be a better way to end this blog than talking about the
future of China. Without further ado, lets get started.

What will China be? Credit: The Economist

Economically, China is trying to transition to a sustainable model in a long run. As the

world second largest economy, China is suffering from crashing stock markets, currency
devaluation, and many other issues. The recent decrease in GDP growth rate also
indicates that Chinas booming economy may peak soon in the future. Therefore,
according to IMFdirect, China has to undergo a major transition from export-led growth
to a model increasingly driven by consumption and services, with less emphasis on
debt-financed public investment. In other words, technology will be an integral part of

Chinas next economic blueprint. Instead of producing goods for other countries, China
will strive to own the technology, similar to how Silicon Valley works.

China and its nearby countries. Credit: The Economist

Internationally, China is attempting to gain more influence over other countries. By

cooperating with African and South American countries on business, China has made a
significant progress in influencing certain regions. Near home, China is also claiming
controversial territories for long-term interests. For instance, for decades China has
been pretty assertive in the territorial disputes, such as the South China Sea , but
there has been a distinct hardening of its position since Mr Xi came to power. With a
strong military, China enjoys the advantage of playing at home.

Mao and emperor. Credit: The Economist

Domestically, the Communists Party will continue to dominate, as the rulers believe that
the country cannot hold together without one-party rule as firm as an emperors. In the
mid-20th century Mao created a strong state but a weak society. Yet, the rapid economic
growth in the past few decades has stabilized Chinas political system. Few people
question the governments action (and nobody is dare to speak up, anyway). With the
central government controlled by one party, one thing for sure that will not change over
time is corruption. Bribery is still common (and more clandestine, in fact), despite
Chairman Xi orders to catch those big tigers. As The Economist pointed out, The
danger is that China will seek greater power in the world as a substitute for fundamental
changes at home. Furthermore, the domestic problems will be increasing hard to
paper over with mere prosperity in future.

Beijing opera. Credit: Wikipedia Commons

Culturally, China is losing most of its traditional culture. There is clearly an identity loss
among teenagers in China. As someone who has been seen both sides of the world, I
have to admit that the Chinese communities here in America do a much better job in
celebrating Chinese traditional culture, such as dragon dance, calligraphy, etc.
Over 200 years, through much agony and turmoil, China has transformed itself from an
inward and backward feudalistic society to an outward and forward socialistic one. In
the pursuit of power and wealth, a new China has emerged. But where is it heading?

Works Cited:

The Economist: http://www.economist.com/news/essays/21609649-chinabecomes-again-worlds-largest-economy-it-wants-respect-it-enjoyed-centuriespast-it-does-not

Investopedia: http://www.investopedia.com/articles/forex/091115/chinas-economytransition-sustainable-growth.asp
IMDdirect: https://blog-imfdirect.imf.org/2015/10/05/managing-chinas-economictransition/