The Renaissance of the Middle Kingdom It has taken China less than thirty years to regain an influential position on the world scene, becoming an economic powerhouse with strong, steady growth.

	China and its diaspora Some 80 million to 100 million Chinese now live outside their country, making China’s diaspora the largest in the world. Initiated well before the Christian Era, the emigrant community has grown with each passing century, spreading to all four corners of the globe while maintaining a strong identity. Rather than weakening the homeland, expatriates today form the cornerstone of China’s growth, as explained here.

	Preparing for the future China’s economic boom has brought radical changes that have benefited only part of the country, generating inequalities. Regional disparities are widening and driving migration from rural areas to the cities. How are the Chinese people preparing for the future?

	Growth and energy dependence For years, China was self-sufficient in energy, but today the country has to import oil and will become even more energy-dependent if its economic growth continues at the current rate. This is raising questions about China’s access to energy resources and its relationships with both producing and consuming countries.

	Moving forward together China needs energy to develop its industrial tools, build infrastructures and housing, and meet a surge in domestic consumption. As an energy supplier and leading petrochemicals and chemicals player, Total is helping in many areas.

	Research as a spearhead of growth Regarded as the world’s workshop and respected for its manufacturing capacities, China is striving for technological and scientific independence to sustain its economic boom and become a fully-fledged competitor on the global market.