Navigating an Uncertain Future: Redefining Growth and Security

In light of the world’s efforts to seek a new equilibrium that incorporates the disruptionsDisruption brought by China, as well as its inevitable influence on almost all global issues, this final chapter endeavours to spark thought and debate on the pivotal question: What is the optimal approach for an external party to impact China in a manner that increases the likelihood of it becoming a beneficial contributor to our shared future? This chapter modestly proposes a potential way forward, requiring two major tasks to be handled concurrently—navigating the present period of transitionPeriod of transition and uncertaintyUncertainty, and inventing a new future by shifting the paradigm. For the first task, this chapter discusses the central concept of ‘dynamic constraints’. It explores the structural limitations that restrict China’s actions, thereby forcing it to make compromises. Further, it highlights the inherent flexibilityFlexibility within the Chinese system that would be utilised to expand strategic options to influence China to act more positively. Regarding the second task, this chapter proposes a novel reconceptualisation of two core concepts—growth and security—aiming to encourage new thought patterns and models for addressing ‘the China challenge’ more prudently and effectively. It concludes by posing three key questions for readers to reflect upon and take further actions on their own.