China’s struggle delights some – but should make us all nervous | Larry Elliott

Covid has amplified the threats that accompany the country's role as an economic superpower

China has been central to the story of globalisation over the past 30 years, but now it is struggling. More than two years after Covid-19 cases were discovered in Wuhan, the world's most populous country has yet to get on top of the virus. Draconian lockdowns have been imposed because China's vaccines are less effective than those available in the west, and immunity levels are lower as well.

Growth is slowing, and not just because of the tough restrictions insisted upon by President Xi Jinping. Flaws in China's economic model coupled with a more hostile geopolitical climate mean the days of explosive expansion are over.