China’s Year in Review—and the Challenges Ahead

Abstract

Dr. Potter outlines Bejing’s successes in development and international cooperation during 2009 and suggests this shows China has taken its place among the world’s great nations.  However, he also points to tensions that have arisen because of conflicting pressures for economic development and social stability. Institutional weakness and local corruption work against resolution of these issues.  Regretably the regime has decided to clamp down on those who use legitimate means to seek reforms that could address these issues.  These are not the qualities of tolerance and diversity that are characteristic of a ‘great nation.’