The Rise of China in the Global Economy

This updated book (2nd edition published in May 2020) examines how China has emerged from economic ruin to become one of the world’s economic giants. This vast nation has shaken off the legacy of old-style communism, to rise to a position that threatens to overhaul the existing world order.

Despite enduring a bumpy ride in recent years, China remains the most important driver of world economic growth. Trade and technology tensions with the US and the economic fallout from the global lockdown during 2020 have tested China’s economic and political resilience. Therefore, whether China can sustain its spectacular economic transformation, and join the club of advanced economies, remains to be seen.For China’s citizens, economic growth has brought about rising living standards, but the coastal provinces have enjoyed far more of the riches than the interior. The result is that China has lost its status of being one of the most equal places in the world. Furthermore, despite the economic liberalisation policies of the ruling Communist Party, secrecy and censorship still prevail in the country, meaning far less political freedom for the country’s 1.4 billion people.

To add to their woes, China’s obsession with economic growth has been to the detriment of its own environment, and in many cases the health of its citizens.Chapters:The Emergence of China as an Economic PowerRegional Development and Inequality in ChinaThe Economic Challenges Facing ChinaChina’s Role AbroadChina’s Environmental LegacyNew or updated content in this edition: Latest economic and social dataMaps showing inequality in ChinaImpacts on the economy arising from the lockdown during 2020

Numerous discussion questions and multiple-choice review questions are included, along with graphs and photos, to create a more interactive and educational experience for the reader.It will be of relevance to A Level and IB Geography teachers and students, as well as anyone with an interest in the emergence of new economic powers and the globalisation of the world economy.