China’s perfect storm

By Jamie F. Metzl

New York – A perfect storm is brewing that could threaten China’s relations with the world. Although some China bashers in the West and nationalists in China may be rejoicing, the potential deterioration of China’s international relations serves nobody’s interest and threatens to undermine global peace and security.

As the Beijing Olympics approach, what the Chinese seem to want most – that the Games herald China’s return as a leader among nations – appears close to slipping from their grasp. If things go wrong, China could move to embrace isolation.