ECIPE Lunch Seminar – China: Leviathan under challenge?

The perception on China has changed among European countries. In the event of aglobal economic crisis, the country would be seen more as a potential financial paymaster rather than disruptive pupil. Yet, there are many challenges ahead for China. Economic pressures are building up, especially in the construction and real estate sectors. Growth is certainly moderating, and some observerswarn of a hard landing for China in the next few years. China’s traditional model for growth is certainly becoming exhausted. And to these economic challenges should also be added political ones. There are increasing pressures on permitting a more open public debate. China’s role in global and regional security policy has been growing rapidly, but it is still not clear exactly what China wants to use its power for, other than securing access to raw materials. A change of such policies may not be possible without challenging the sacred principals for China’s ruling party.