On top of the economic and public health challenges, Asian-Americans are also the target of xenophobic attacks fanned by the major-power competition between the US and China.

Facing pressures such as the trade war, a global economic slowdown and a decline in domestic consumption, China’s leaders are looking to boost the economy. Balancing this impulse with environmental protection will be challenging.

Coal consumption is surging in China, despite official plans for clean energy. To reduce emissions, the country should develop carbon capture technology on a mass scale.

Given China’s pressing energy needs and its drive to reduce carbon emissions, the country has no choice but to invest heavily in nuclear power.