Homework for Beijing: Five Hurdles on China’s Path to Becoming a “Responsible Great Power”

Abstract

This analysis observes that in 2020 China is a global power with global ambitions and a near-global presence. Terms such as “G2,” “global stakeholder,” “strategic competitor,” and “hegemonic candidate” no longer ring hollow as they did ten years ago. However, it is unclear whether China’s challenge to the United States will be sustainable in the medium to long run. The essay considers five hurdles in Beijing’s path to a “responsible great power”-assuming that China does hope to be one. Certainly, the world does not wish to see the emergence of an irresponsible China.