Both are accurate. China certainly "has risen" to become a global economic power: in only three decades, it has transformed itself into the world's second largest economy, largest exporter, and largest provider of loans to the developing world. At the same time, China is rising: its economic and political system, as well as its foreign policy, is still developing. To state categorically that China "has risen" is to accept that the China of today will be substantially the same as the China of five to ten years from now, and few people in or outside China would accept such a conclusion.

Read full answer

As China leaps into the new year with a new generation of leaders, four experts weigh in on what we can expect from the burgeoning power.

Elizabeth C. Economy says, "If the United States and China can begin the process by taking a step back to establish a new narrative for the relationship that minimizes competition, sets aside intractable issues, and keeps global and regional issues where they belong—in a multilateral framework—there will be the potential for the two countries, like the frog in the well, to take two steps forward for every one step back."

As China unveils a new top leadership, CFR's Elizabeth Economy highlights three challenges the new Politburo Standing Committee faces.

Elizabeth C. Economy says corruption and the failure to develop rule of law in China now define much of the country's political and economic life. With Xi Jinping poised to take over, the focus should be on significant political reform.

With the presidential candidates squaring off for a final debate, four CFR fellows weigh in on questions that should arise on major on foreign policy issues facing the nation.

Elizabeth C. Economy says the world waits for stability in China's transition, but recent events in China like the two-week absence of Xi Jinping and Bo Xilai's expulsion from the CCP underscore the deep uncertainty that defines China's political system.

The case of dissident Chen Guangcheng amid high-level talks revealed determination by Beijing and Washington to maintain stable ties, says CFR's Elizabeth C. Economy.

Politician Bo Xilai's sudden fall from grace unmasks long-discussed corruption within the political ranks and undermines a smooth leadership transition for the Communist Party, says CFR's Elizabeth Economy.

The U.S. move to launch a case against China at the WTO over its cap on exporting rare earth metals is the latest international effort to hold China accountable to international trade standards, explains CFR's Elizabeth Economy.

Elizabeth Economy says the United States and China face a long march to mutual respect.

As Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping visits the United States, CFR's Elizabeth C. Economy says Washington must address the trust deficit with Beijing as the top policy priority.

Elizabeth C. Economy discusses Chinese vice president Xi Jinping's visit to the United States.

China's search for food and land in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Africa, reflects the country's pressing scarcity of water. China's approach has set off alarm bells in the region and the United States should work actively to address China's water security needs, argues Elizabeth Economy before the House U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission.

Elizabeth C. Economy argues that unless the leadership in Beijing changes course, China faces increasing isolation.

China's rising global prominence, increasing assertiveness and upcoming leadership transition may pose significant challenges for the next U.S. president, says CFR's Elizabeth C. Economy.

Elizabeth Economy says the response to President Obama's latest Asia trip has been mixed, and some Chinese commentators are missing the point.

Elizabeth Economy argues that China's energy challenges show no signs of abating while Chinese leaders are working feverishly, if imperfectly, to meet them.

Elizabeth Economy argues that the biggest challenge that China faces may be lack of access to clean water.

In the next round of the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue, underway now, the two sides face difficult diplomatic issues but also a chance to jumpstart engagement on military and cybersecurity matters, writes CFR's Elizabeth Economy.