Will it be China's century?

The deal is done: Geely, until a few years ago a relatively unknown Chinese carmaker, has got its hands on an iconic marque, Volvo. Even though the Swedish company has long been mired in difficulties and integration is likely to be a painful process, are some Western media, politicians and public opinions right when they are worried about a "Chinese economic imperialism" ?

For Napoleon, China was a giant best left to sleep lest it shake the world. Now that it is rousing itself, what sort of power are we dealing with? Predatory or restrained? Economic or military? Responsible or inward-centered?

Analysing whether China is a force for good in the world or whether its ascent simply reflects the decline of others can point to reasons for hope - or for concern - in the century to come.