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.

If China lacks global influence it is only because there is a lag between economic power and political power.

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

Kerry Brown, executive director of the China Studies Centre at Sydney University

Shambaugh's book reflects US fears about China's power and influence.

It is not just about the world reacting to a changing China but China reacting to a changing United States and Europe.

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.

Niall Ferguson, professor of history at Harvard University and author of Civilization: the West and the Rest

China is moving to a position of parity with the United States. The world is moving to a period where there is parity.

China no longer needs the American consumer as much as it did 10 years ago and there is no guarantee the Chinese will continue to fund the federal deficit.

Zhao Minghao, research fellow at the China Center for Contemporary World Studies, Beijing

China has many sources of "soft power" such as traditional culture, philosophy and food.

Global institutions do not reflect China's current influence in the world.

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.

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