China’s GDP: The Big Number
January 21, 2015
In 2014, China’s GDP grew at 7.4%, the slowest in the last 24 years. A look at China’s GDP as a proportion of global GDP over the years.
China’s GDP (gross domestic product), and the rate at which it changes, is one of China’s most closely-watched statistics; the base from which so many economic and business decisions are made. The breakneck growth in GDP that China has achieved in the past three decades has often reached double digits and continues to define perceptions of its role and status in the world. But as the economy now slows, there is hand-wringing over the government’s target of annual GDP growth, and how it can be sustained.
Nonetheless, China is now the world’s largest economy according to the IMF when measure by purchasing power parity (the US represents 16% of the global economy). This is not the first time the country has been in this position–China has had a huge share of the world’s GDP from time immemorial, probably peaking in the early 19th century. However it still lags behind in other measures, and extending the fruits of this re-emergence to the Chinese people is now of the government’s main challenges.
Enjoying what you’re reading?
CKGSB Report
Related Articles
Our Programs
Asia Start: AI + Digital China Expedition
Asia Start provides entrepreneurs and executives with unparalleled access to Asia’s dynamic digital economy and its business ecosystems, offering the latest trends and insights, strategies, and connections to overcome challenges and unlock future growth for your business in Asia and beyond.
LocationShanghai, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Shenzhen
Date17 - 21 Nov, 2025
LanguageEnglish
Stanford & Silicon Valley Immersion Program
In partnership with Stanford Engineering Center for Global & Online Education
Global Unicorn Program Series
This CKGSB program equips entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs and key stakeholders with the tools, insights, and skills necessary to lead a new generation of unicorn companies.
LocationStanford University Campus,
California, United States
Date08 - 12 Dec, 2025
LanguageEnglish with Chinese Translation
AI-Driven Industrial Digital Transformation and Smart City Development
In partnership with Columbia Engineering
Global Unicorn Program Series
This program is a transformative initiative designed to empower civil leaders and businesses in smart city development, fintech, alternative energy, and new energy sectors.
LocationDubai, UAE
Date08 - 13 Dec, 2025
LanguageEnglish
Opportunities in the Disruption of Traditional Industries
In partnership with The University of Sydney
Global Unicorn Program Series
The Global Unicorn Program in Disruption of Traditional Industries – presented jointly by CKGSB and University of Sydney – will emphasize Australia’s distinctive contributions.
LocationSydney, Australia
Date24 - 27 Feb, 2026
LanguageEnglish
Emerging Markets: Innovation and Scaling for Exponential Growth
Global Unicorn Program Series
A joint program by Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business and The South Africa Chamber of Commerce and Industry
LocationJohannesburg, South Africa
Date20 - 23 Apr, 2026
LanguageEnglish
AI-Driven Healthcare Innovation Program
In partnership with Johns Hopkins Carey Business School
Global Unicorn Program Series
The 2025 Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Driven Healthcare Innovation Program stands at the forefront of addressing the critical need for innovative healthcare solutions powered by artificial intelligence.
LocationJohns Hopkins University, Washington, D.C.
DateSummer 2026
