China in Europe

One of the major trends in the world economy in the past two decades was the ascent of China. The fast-growing Chinese economy is already the second largest in the world with an outlook to take the first place from the United States within ten years. Moreover China is already the world’s largest trading nation. China’s economic ties with the United States are already strong. Within the framework of its new land and maritime silk road initiative China is now reaching out to Europe. Is the as-cendance and expansion of China an opportunity or threat? Does China naturally look for partners for mutual benefits and development or does it seek to control the world?