Why China matters
Later edit: watch this video!
I’ve always wondered about China’s role in the World. I travelled there twice in the past two years and I’ve learned some insightful things.
In 2015, in Hongkong, I got a chance to see first-hand how pro-market policies impact progress and prosperity.
In 2016 I visited several provinces and cities (including Beijing), as part of a Central-Eastern European delegation. Our goal was to learn about Chinese sustainable development practices.
My view of China and its future is still in the making. Meanwhile, I have compiled some facts on why I think China will have a central role in the 21st century:
It took the UK 154 years to double its GDP/capita. It took China 12 to do the same.
From 1990 to 2015, Japan’s GDP increased by 30%. China’s increased by 3000%.
In 2050, China’s GDP (PPP) will be 50% bigger than the US’. And 9–10 times larger than that of countries such as Japan, Russia, Germany, or the UK.
More foreign investment goes into Greater China than into the US, Japan, Russia, India, UK — combined.
China is the largest CO2 emitter (three times more than the European Union), but it’s also the global leader in renewable energy output.
The number of vacant housing properties in Beijing alone is more than in the entire United States.
More cars are being sold in China then in the US, Japan, and India — combined.
Average salary in Chinese cities rose by 48 percent in 2015 despite economic slowdown.
China has more workers than India, EU, and US — combined.
In 2030, about a third of Sciences Technology Engineering Math graduates will be Chinese.
For a better understanding of China I highly recommend the following:
Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to:
China Foundation for Peace and Development, for their kind contribution to improving my knowledge of China’s development and aspirations.
MEP Ujhelyi István, for co-organising and leading our CEEC delegation to China.
Natasha Homer-Earley, founder of Gujiwo, for providing relevant sources.
Other sources:
