China's Rise to Global Economic Power: What Does it Mean for the United States?

The Chinese economy’s ability to emerge from the global financial crisis seemingly unscathed while the United States slowly climbs out of recession bolsters a widespread image of a strong People’s Republic of China (PRC) rising against the backdrop of a declining United States of America. China’s economic growth in recent years, however, has slowed down, raising the question of whether it is foreordained that China will become the world’s premier economic power. Frank Lavin, former U.S. Under Secretary of Commerce, will be at the Wilson Center to offer his thoughts on China’s rapid emergence as a major economic and political force. He will argue that China’s continued growth in power and affluence will bring challenges, but not a new Cold War. Nor is it likely to be linear.