Three views of China’s economic future

Abstract

Purpose

The author presents practitioners with an overview of experts’ outlook for China econmic future. While some observers see the likelihood of a decade of continued rapid growth ahead, others see major economic challenges on the horizon.

Design/methodology/approach

To better understand the forces at play, consider the rationale underpinning three experts’ different perspectives on the future of China’s economy.

Findings

The author looks at the thinking underlying three vies: Confidence in steady growth: optimism based on China’s continuing “latecomer advantage” and its plentiful investment resources. Cautionary warning: pessimism based largely on his perception of China’s debt load and structural economic limits to consumer spending. Why you shouldn’t bet on pessimism: a rebuttal to much of the reasoning underpinning gloomy growth forecasts.

Practical implications

Taken together, a weak renminbi, low interest rates, and restrained wage growth would signal efforts to maintain the viability of China’s “latecomer” economic model.

Originality/value

The article helps practitioners understand the logic behind optimistic and pessimistic view of China’s economy so that as events develop observers can better understand which future is unfolding and what risks increasing or decreasing.

Citation

Brookfield, J. (2017), "Three views of China’s economic future", Strategy & Leadership, Vol. 45 No. 5, pp. 33-40. https://doi.org/10.1108/SL-07-2017-0065