The rise of China

Watch part two

Even as Western economies languish and brace for a long-term recession, Beijing has announced that it expects its economy to grow by eight per cent in 2009.

That extraordinary economic growth, coupled with a newly aggressive diplomacy, are already transforming East Asia, parts of Africa, and parts of Latin America.

But will China overthrow the existing world order? And what will the US do to maintain its position?

As China becomes more powerful, does that necessarily mean US power will erode? Will relations between them be led by tension, distrust and conflict?

And will China use its growing influence to reshape the international system to better serve its interests, or slowly become part of that system?

On Wednesday, Riz speaks with one of China’s top economic advisers. Fan Gang is the director of China’s National Economic Research Institute, and his comments are closely followed for clues about how Chinese leaders are thinking about the global economy.

Also joining us will be Daniel Rosen, a professor at Columbia University and an expert on China’s economic development and US-China relations.

This episode of the Riz Khan show aired on Wednesday, May 20, 2009.