China at a crossroads

The key drivers of its early growth are gone. But it has other strengths. Whatever its future, the rest of the world cannot escape its impact.

A demonstration of Chinese firm Megvii’s facial recognition system during a media tour at an exhibition centre in Beijing in February. PHOTO: REUTERS
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Over the next decade, will China become stronger or weaker? Its economic clout, global political influence and expanding military power make this a critical question in every region of the world.

The answer will depend on whether brute economic strength or technological prowess will prove more important for a prosperous and secure future. China's economic outlook has become increasingly cloudy, but its status as an emerging tech superpower might be more important.

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