With a distracted US, apparently lost away from home in the Middle East, and an European Union weakened by its inner macro structural problems, a low overall economical development, and a shrinking budget for integration, Martin Jacques, analyzing its development, expansion of interests, new policy and new diplomatic achievements, foresees room for China as a new becoming world superpower. He states it's an unavoidable event in the near future, with or without the US feeling uncomfortable about this. Also, Hu Jintao's mention of a "Chinese view of a harmonious world based on the idea of Chinese civilization" can make skeptics think of a possible Samuel Huntington's scenario of colliding civilizations and utopians believe in an ... More »

Because it is an opinion piece, and clearly presents itself as such, it falls into a different category. Jacques states his case clearly and provides a clear overview of where he feels the economic indicators point. His bias is not hidden and he makes it clear that it's a predictive piece, while also stepping out on the limp with some of his conclusions. He states points worth considering but also writes as an analyst rather than a reporter. Worth the read for thus attempting to understand the dynamics of US-China relations.