China

Why it matters

• Serves as a primary trading partner and a key participant in regional supply chain integration for the global economy.
• Acts as a central actor in multilateral institutions and regional security architectures within the Indo-Pacific region.
• Represents a major influence on global technological standards, infrastructure development initiatives, and international maritime trade routes.

How it is asked

Candidates should focus on the structural shifts in bilateral trade relations, the impact of regional infrastructure connectivity projects on sovereign debt, and the evolving strategic dynamics within international forums.