China’s development model has always stressed the importance of peaceful relations and international stability, yet there are some that perceive China’s growth as a menace to the current order. Both views fail to address the complex link between geopolitics and economic development. This lack of understanding and proper response to the ever increasing Chinese footprint on the global scene reflect an inadequate knowledge of how China’s economic growth is related to its political power. The most recent Chinese economic initiatives were received with skepticism and doubts. By emphasizing economic growth Chinese leaders are attempting to reassure their partners of their commitment towards domestic matters first. In fact, Xi Jinping’s policies have been presented as an organic attempt to promote global stability and prosperity. However, outside China, many accuse Xi’s government of using economic development as a mean to strengthen its leverage both domestically and internationally. Over the past few decades, China’s role and growth have progressed considerably. China’s economic development has been remarkable, and its role in international forums has only increased since it joined the World trade organization in early 2000s. It is true that China’s latest economic strategies, for instance the One Belt, One Road initiative, might increase the countries leverage over its neighbours. As it is true that countries around the world have started to take actions to counteract their dependency on China. However, researches show that China’s economy itself is still very much interdependent from the global market and the current international order. China’s efforts to influence its neighbours through the strategy of peaceful development have not yet been completely successful, as the example brought by Myanmar’s recent policies towards Chinese investment have demonstrated. Moreover, there is concern towards the possible effect of the One Belt, One road initiative in terms of Sino-Russian and Sino-Indian relations. There are still concern over security matters that trumps the benefits of economic development. Moreover, in the West, some are speculating over China’s intention towards the liberal order – although there is no evidence that China’s threatening the current institutions. To deepen the understanding of China’s development and foreign initiatives, one should examine thoroughly the nexus between wealth and power, and development and security. Departing from the traditional focus on just one aspect. Actually, the relationship between Chinese domestic and international policies, as well as its challenges, are essential to unravel what impact China’s economic and political growth will have on the nation itself and the global order. Outdated and overly-formal ways of thinking might leave the world unprepared to face important challenges ahead. The gLAWcal Team LIBEAC project Wednesday, 11 January 2017 (Source: Carnegie-Tsinghua Centre for Global Policy)