A superpower is distinguished by its power projection abilities. Spurred by economic growth and expanding regional security interests, China has embarked on a large-scale modernization of its military, but it remains unclear if China is yet a global superpower.
Public opinion toward China can influence a country’s foreign policy orientation. Polling data is an important means of understanding these perceptions and tracing their long-term influence on international politics.
Significant demographic shifts present China with mounting social challenges, including a reduced workforce for supporting its critical industries, a pronounced gender imbalance, and insufficient senior care.
A country’s power is heavily connected to its ability to leverage energy resources. As the world’s largest consumer of energy, securing its energy needs is vital to China’s ability to pursue its national objectives and fuel its development.
Air-quality concerns affect China both at home and abroad. Domestic demands on environmental protections have influenced the government’s social and economic policies, while hazardous air pollution has harmed the country’s international image.
Chinese innovation can in part be gauged by examining its intellectual property protection measures. The processes behind Chinese patents and product development can provide key insights into how China’s domestic innovation contributes to its growing influence.
Inbound and outbound tourism trends shed light on China’s global appeal and how the Chinese government cultivates its soft power. Tourism has been used by China as a political tool to further its interests and expand its influence.
Many worry that China’s ownership of American debt affords the Chinese economic leverage over the United States. This apprehension stems from a misunderstanding of sovereign debt and of how states derive power from their economic relations.
