The news that China has overtaken Japan to become the Worlds second largest economy in terms of Gross GDP has been front page news this month. And some predict that within 15 years it could even surpass the US. And some have asked, does this new kid on the block pose threat to the U.S? Politicians and academics and pundits have all had their say. But what about some of those likely to be most affected? Ordinary Chinese people? Our reporter Julia Wang went out on the streets of Beijing to find out.

Japan and the United States have committed to building an "unshakeable U.S.-Japan Alliance." The intention declared last week marks the 50th anniversary of the signing of the current Japan-U.S. security pact. U.S.-Japanese relations have been greatly affected by the Democratic Party of Japan's landslide victory in the Lower House last year. In addition, issues such as US military bases have never strayed too far from the headlines.

But of the non-superpower, developed nations, Japan is very important to China. Aside from a geographical proximity, the two nations share historical and cultural ties. Also factored in is China's perception of Japan as a possible resurgent threat and Japan's close relations with the United States since the end of World War II.

The Obama administration unveiled a new national security doctrine last week that would join diplomatic engagement and economic discipline with military power to bolster America's standing in the world.

Faced with a struggling economy and record deficits, the administration also acknowledged that boosting economic growth and getting the US fiscal house in order must be core national security priorities.

And, striking a contrast to the Bush-era emphasis on going it alone, President Barack Obama's National Security Strategy called for expanding partnerships beyond traditional US allies to rising powers like China and India in order to share the international burden.

That’s something that's got China's web forums buzzing. Our researcher Emma Wang has been gauging reaction in the newsroom and we can cross to her now.

Front Page
National Day Celebrations
Wall Street Marks National Day
China-Japan Row
3 Japanese Released, 1 Still Held
Buffet & Gates' Charity Forum
Gates Launches Microblog
China's Rich List
Mainland To Need "70,000 Pilots"
Cyber Worm Hits Mainland

Front Page
China-Japan Row
Han Han On China-Japan Row
Canada Checks HK Immigrants
Chinese Woman In U.N. Court
Arnie Thanks Bay Bridge Workers
China To Be "Oldest" Country
Mooncake Nutrition Fears
Net Bargaining Service

US-JAPAN JOINT DRILLS
ECONOMIST BARRED FROM LEAVING
LIU XIAOBO HONORED
PLA WARNS OF CYBER WARFARE
ASSANGE WANTED
PLASTIC BAG CONSUMPTION DECREASES

Front Page
Japan Envoy Called Again
Japanese Warned Over Protests
Japan Attack Rumor Denied
Air Crash Families To Sue G.E.
Free Calls On IPhone Stopped
Nike China Rep In Soccer Scandal
Postponing Retirement