The growth of China’s economic, political, diplomatic, military, cultural, social and technological power has become one of the defining features of the 21st century world system. Within a few years, China is set to overtake the US as the world’s largest economy. China has become a key trading partner to many countries in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. The growth of China’s power also comes with a greater sense of global entitlement and ambition. China’s rise has fueled a greater sense of insecurities in some western countries, who see China as a competitor and rival. The US in particular sees China as a country that has the capability to undermine its primacy in world affairs. Countries in the global south, with some exceptions, have generally been open minded and welcoming towards China’s rise. All in all, there is no question that China’s rise has reshaped the world order in the 21st century. Against this backdrop, FPCI will convene a Global Town Hall Series on “what does China’s rise mean to the rest of the world?” hailing speakers from North-South-East-West to share their views on how China’s rise is seen from their respective countries.
