China's entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001 marked a pivotal moment in the country's transformation into a global superpower. Over the past 25 years, China's economic growth has been nothing short of remarkable, with its GDP rising from $1.2 trillion in 2001 to a staggering $17.7 trillion in 2025, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

This remarkable growth has been fueled by China's emergence as a global manufacturing powerhouse, with exports growing from $240 billion in 2001 to over $3.5 trillion in 2025. China's accession to the WTO in 2001 also helped stabilize global demand during the 2008 financial crisis, as the country's exports helped offset the decline in global trade. In fact, China's exports accounted for over 10% of global trade in 2025, making it the world's largest trading nation.

China's economic expansion has also been driven by its investments in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a massive infrastructure project aimed at connecting China with other parts of Asia, Europe, and Africa. The BRI has involved investments of over $1 trillion in infrastructure projects, including roads, railways, ports, and energy pipelines.

However, China's economic growth has not been without its challenges. The country's property market has experienced a slowdown in recent years, with prices falling by over 20% in some cities. This has had a ripple effect on the broader economy, with many Chinese companies facing difficulties in accessing credit and funding. Additionally, China's economic growth has also been criticized for its environmental and social costs, with many Chinese cities facing severe air and water pollution.

Despite these challenges, China's economic growth has had a profound impact on the global economy. The country's emergence as a global manufacturing powerhouse has helped drive down prices and increase competition in many industries, benefiting consumers around the world. China's investments in technology, including electric vehicles (EVs) and artificial intelligence (AI), have also helped drive innovation and growth in these sectors.

However, China's economic rise has also led to a sharper economic rivalry with the United States, with many American companies facing increased competition from Chinese rivals. The US-China trade war, which began in 2018, has had a significant impact on global trade, with many countries caught in the middle.

Looking ahead, China's economic growth is expected to continue, albeit at a slower pace. The country's government has set a target of achieving high-quality growth, with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity. However, many analysts believe that China's economic growth will be increasingly driven by domestic consumption, rather than exports, as the country's middle class continues to grow and become more affluent.

In conclusion, China's entry into the WTO in 2001 marked a pivotal moment in the country's transformation into a global superpower. Over the past 25 years, China's economic growth has been remarkable, with the country emerging as a global manufacturing powerhouse and driving innovation and growth in many industries. However, China's economic growth has also been marked by challenges, including a property slowdown and environmental and social costs. As China looks to the future, its economic growth is expected to continue, albeit at a slower pace, with a focus on high-quality growth and domestic consumption.