Experts' panel

Martin Jacques, academic and author of When China Rules the World

China is now a crucial economic player in the world accounting for a big chunk of global demand.

China is influential in Africa because it understands the needs of developing nations.

Odd Arne Westad, professor of international history at the London School of Economics

Slowing economic growth gives China breathing space to assess its real role in the world.

China is a commercial player in Africa and does not seek real influence

James B. Heimovitz, former president and CEO, North Asia, for Hill & Knowlton

China can buy "soft power" just as major companies do through advertising and public relations.

Not having a positive image in the world is not necessarily a barrier to Chinese products being successful as the Japanese have proved in Asia.

Shi Yinhong, professor of international relations and director of the Center for American Studies at Renmin University of China

Shambaugh reflects some of the Chinese leadership's own views about China's role in the world.

China will not replace the United States as a global superpower but will be a player in a new multi-polar world.

Paul M. Cheng, Hong Kong politician and businessman

Chinese companies have the financial firepower to buy brands and the innovation skills that Shambaugh says they now lack over the next 15 years.

China might be a low-tech manufacturer but don't underestimate the great wealth that it has brought.

Mahmood Mamdani, professor and executive director at the Makerere Institute of University of Social Research in Kampala

Africans are convinced China will become more globally dominant.

China ending the Western monopoly in Africa can only benefit Africans.

Kwaku Atuahene-Gima, executive director of the CEIBS (China European International Business School) Africa Programme based in Accra

China is certainly a business role model, if not a cultural one

Africans want to know what makes Chinese companies tick.

Tony O. Otoa, executive director of Great Lakes Public Affairs, a think tank and research consultancy based in Kampala

Young Africans see China as cool.

African parents want to prepare their children for a more China-dominated world.

(China Daily Africa Weekly 08/09/2013 page7)