China: Unfolding the Paper Dragon

摘要

In the second quarter of 2010, China s gross domestic product surpassed Japan s second place ranking, making it the next largest economy only to the U.S. Many see this as a clear indicator of China s imminent rise as the next world leader. Three key aspects of national strength: people, government, and economy will help determine China's ability to transform from a paper dragon to a global economic and political leader. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) aims to perpetuate its stratospheric economic growth to maintain its authoritarian rule and legitimacy. The focus on economics lies on the CCP s fear of internal instability and loss of power, which subsequently drives their domestic and foreign policies. One must consider the effects of these policies on China s ability to become the preeminent superpower. While many fear China s economic and military growth, China has shown considerable interest in developing values through Confucianism to counter some of the negative consequences of their past policies. Furthermore, a common interest in values between the U.S. and China may provide a practical intersection of interests for future dialogue.