The rise of China

As the dominance of the West is overtaken by a newly assertive China, will it cause geo political instability? For the majority of recorded history, China has held an equal or dominant position to the West in terms of economic and military power. By most accounts, the yoke of imperial China was relatively light and the Chinese Government is drawing on this version of history in portraying its modern aspirations in a benign light. Yet, China faces resistance. Critics point to a number of worrying signs, including a substantial increase in China’s military expenditure and a staunch refusal to apply international norms for human rights in its territory. Is fear of China’s rise justifiable—or are such fears simply the product of prejudiced Western minds? We've nothing to fear from a powerful China is the topic of the next IQ2 Sydney debate on 31 July.