Middle Kingdom

China's newfound place of power and influence on the world stage means that it is now a formidable economic force and an emerging global political influence. China has assumed a leading position in dealing with the challenge of climate change. These three concerns—economics, politics, and the future of the physical world as we know it—are addressed from the perspective of the Western view of China's role. Each of the three dimensions incorporates the idea of "balance" in the Taoist sense of the word, encompassing thoughtful adjustment and harmony. At the moment, there are identifiable straining imbalances in the world as a whole, and China in particular, in economics, politics, and the pursuit of a healthier planet. Some promising directions to restore order are suggested.