China and Japan in Battle for 2nd Largest Economy in the World

1.0 INTRODUCTION

According to the Chosun Ilbo (a South Korean Newspaper), Japan and China are in a "tight race" for the "Number Two" spot (for the largest economies of the World).

The United States still occupies the "Number One" spot as being the largest economy in the world.

2.0 WHAT IS THE SIZE OF JAPAN'S ECONOMY?

On Monday, February 15, Japan's Cabinet Office reported that their countries GDP totaled $5.08 Trillion USD in 2009.

This figure is down 5% from that of 2008.

3.0 HOW HAS JAPAN BEEN DOING RECENTLY?

Japan's economy has continued to struggle from the impact of the global economic crises, with no indication of improvement in the Fourth Quarter.

4.0 WHAT IS THE SIZE OF CHINA'S ECONOMY?

According to China's Bureas of Statistics, China's GDP was 33.53 Trillion Yuan (or approximately $4.91 Trillion USD).

This number reflects an 8.7% increase over China's GDP in 2008.

5.0 HOW HAS CHINA BEEN DOING RECENTLY?

When announcing China's GDP numbers, Ma Jiantang, the Head of the Government statistical bureau said "It is not our job to rank the world's economies, but what is important is the fact that China's economy is continuing to grow".

Following China's announcement of their GDP numbers, the State-Run China Daily reported that China had displaced Japan to become the "World's 2nd Largest Economy".

In response to this report, the Japanese Daily Sankei Shimbun reported that China was merely "patting itself on the back".

6.0 WHEN WILL THIS "CONTEST" BE DECIDED?

The "Winner" of the "Number Two" spot will not become clear until the IMF (International Monetary Fund) announces the GDP figures of individual countries in April 2010.

7.0 DO YOU WISH TO BE A PART OF CHINA'S GROWTH?

Those business people that attempt to learn the language (even a small amount) of that of a business or country that they wish to do business with; will be viewed in a "positive manner" for their efforts.

This effort shows that business or nation that you really want to learn to communicate with them.

Therefore, a strong first step (towards developing any business or business-relationship) in China would be to learn their language (Mandarin Chinese).

Click here to learn about how to get started on learning the Mandarin-Chinese language, and to also start growing your business.