The alleged decline of the United States and the concomitant ascendancy of the People's Republic of China (PRC) are fashionable ideas these days. The narrative constructed from these twin ideas asserts that China possesses, or will soon possess, economic credentials superior to those of the United States, ultimately resulting in a massive transfer of economic and political power in China's favor. However, Michael Sutton argues that the rising China narrative "ignores demographic realities" and warrants a closer examination of demographic trends and challenges in neighboring East Asian countries.

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