Can China's economy afford a war with Taiwan?

China has been showing off its military might in exercises surrounding Taiwan. Concern that Beijing might order an invasion of the island is growing, as President Xi Jinping seeks to keep a promise to "reunite" Taiwan with the Chinese mainland.

But at home, President Xi is fighting battles on multiple economic fronts. The country’s crucial real estate sector is in crisis and his flagship "Belt and Road" initiative is buckling under the strain of billions in unpaid debts.

In this DW Business Special we set out the current state of China's economy - with the help of Alexander Görlach from the Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs - and ask: "Can China afford a war?"
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