China aint waiting

THE LEADER

China aint waiting - that is my verdict after a recent visit. While I only had a small taste of this vast country one thing was clear, China has set its sights on becoming mainstream by 2020.

My trip, from the tradition of Beijing, to the development in Chongqing and the glitz and glamour of Shanghai seemed to confirm they are well on track. I am not saying this ambition will be easily achieved. Far from it, China has many social, economic and environmental challenges ahead. Beijing is a good start for a first-time visitor. The 4.5 million vehicles on the road that guarantee a slow crawl from airport to city centre provide an excellent sightseeing opportunity. My taxi ride took me past the portrait of Chairman Mao overlooking Tiananmen Square, but this was the only obvious...