Strongman of China faces four major economic risks

Washington

MANY have crowned Chinese President Xi Jinping the most powerful man in the world following the 19th Chinese National Congress of the Communist Party. And, indeed, Mr Xi is a dynamic leader who is transforming China. He has swiftly consolidated his authority to drive an ambitious domestic and international effort to establish China as a modern superpower.

Our preoccupation with Mr Xi's grand ambitions, however, has led us to neglect the scope of the challenges he and his country face. Simply put, ambition and power are not a substitute for deep and enduring reform, and a leader is only as powerful as the country he leads. As Mr Xi knows all too well, China has serious and growing vulnerabilities. When President Donald Trump visits China next this week, he may well find he can leverage these emerging dynamics to advance US interests.