ABSTRACT
Ever since 1978, when Beijing decided to shift its strategic priority from “revolution” to “modernization” under the leadership of Deng Xiaoping,1 the world has witnessed an unprecedented economic expansion in China. In only a short period, China’s GDP has risen from number ten in the world in 1990 to number four in 2006, bypassing such powers as Great Britain, France, Italy, and Canada, and outranked only by the United States, Japan, and Germany.2 Within a matter of years, China’s economy is projected to overtake those of Germany and Japan and will directly challenge the leadership position of the United States. China’s growing influence has been felt not only in the economic realm, but also in other dimensions, such as military, cultural, and political capacities. This explains why the phrase “China rising” has become a popular expression among world leaders and academics alike in all corners of the globe. How to properly handle this rapid growth of a quarter of mankind poses a significant challenge to both China itself and the international community. Naturally, reactions to this challenge vary; for example, China’s Asian neighbors reacted differently from the Western powers.3 In addressing whether the much debated global implications of the rise of China represent an opportunity or a threat, this chapter, however, focuses on the relationship between a rising power and a dominant power in world politics, China and the United States. It also presents a model of managed great power relations (MGPR).
