China and the New Global Economy

Thirty years ago China was an impoverished state with a limited role in global affairs.  Today it’s the world’s second largest economy, and seems likely to overtake the United States within three years.

It has four of the top ten banks, is the number one exporter in the world market, and holds the largest foreign reserves. China is also expanding its global presence by investing heavily in Africa, Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East.

The rise of China as an economic powerhouse is rapidly reshaping the international economic landscape.

First-year students in Stella Chan’s tutorial, China and the New Global Economy, are exploring:

• What is the impact on workers and firms — both domestic and foreign — as countries are more open to trade and investment flows with China?
• How does China’s explosive economic growth affect the environment and its sustainability?
• How are the geopolitical relationships between China and other nations influenced by their economic linkages?