CHINA’S ECONOMIC GROWTH; AN OPPORTUNITY OR CURSE FOR THE WEST

Abstract

China's extraordinary economic rise since the 1970s transformed it into a global powerhouse, challenging established economic trends and reshaping international dynamics. Initially perceived as a developing economy with internal challenges, China's rapid growth, driven by economic reforms, positioned it as a major player in global trade and politics. This study examined whether China's economic growth represented an opportunity or a curse for the West, focusing on its historical trajectory, trade expansion, and geopolitical influence. The research analyzed China's integration into the global economy, its role in international organizations, and its strategic initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative. Through qualitative analysis, the study explored the implications of China's rise on Western economies, regional relations, and global security. Findings suggested that while China's growth offered economic opportunities, it also raised concerns about its political intentions and potential threats to existing global powers. The study concluded that China's rise was a complex phenomenon with both positive and negative implications for the West.