The West should let China sleep, as Napoleon advised

Western governments ought to let China sleep - by learning to live and work with the Chinese leadership instead of wishing for its transformation or early demise

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Two decades into the 21st century, the main challenge it holds for the West has become clear: the return of China to centre stage.

After managing phase one of China's reform well from 1980 to this year - a period in which China fought no wars - the West is setting itself up for failure in phase two.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on September 23, 2020, with the headline The West should let China sleep, as Napoleon advised. Subscribe