China: Power and Prosperity (2019)
The documentary China: Power and Prosperity delves into the multifaceted dynamics of China’s rise as a global superpower. Produced in 2019 by PBS NewsHour in collaboration with the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting, this insightful film explores various facets of China’s ascendancy, shedding light on its social, economic, and political forces.
Here are the key themes covered in the documentary:
- Leadership and Influence:
- The film examines China’s powerful leader, Xi Jinping, and his impact on the nation’s trajectory. Xi’s policies, vision, and foreign relations strategies come under scrutiny.
- Viewers gain insights into how Xi is perceived within China, from near-mythic reverence to dissent and opposition.
- Foreign Policy and Trade:
- The documentary delves into China’s signature foreign policy initiatives, including the ambitious Belt and Road Initiative. It explores the implications of China’s expanding global influence and its relationships with other nations.
- The U.S.-China trade war is a central focus, highlighting the economic tensions and negotiations between the two superpowers.
- Technology and Dissent:
- Chinese technology plays a pivotal role in stifling dissent. The film investigates how surveillance, censorship, and control mechanisms are wielded to maintain social stability.
- The impact of Chinese technology on individual freedoms and human rights is a critical theme.
- Global Perspectives:
- Through more than 70 on-camera interviews conducted across eight Chinese cities and eight countries, the documentary provides a comprehensive view of China’s rise.
- It explores the complexities of China’s relationship with the United States, its military strength, and its role in shaping the world order.
In summary, China: Power and Prosperity offers a nuanced exploration of China’s ascent, revealing both its achievements and challenges on the global stage. The film invites viewers to contemplate the implications of China’s rise for the world at large.
