One of the things I see about China in the 2020's is the drastic slowdown, or near complete halt, in their economic growth. Why? Fen recycling tech primarily.
I don't remember how much OTL China has a hold, but there are significant amounts of metals shipped there for recycling. Not only do local (and superior) facilities drop that, it means less travel for the goods (which not also saves money, but lessens greenhouse emissions which will be a bonus for Governments looking to be see as 'Green'). This I see as further allowing Fentech (waved or not) being implemented locally. Governments will like more local production if it doesn't cost too much (and creates jobs). Along with the mineral resources now commercially available (as Dartz and M Fnord point out), this will drop China's economic footprint.
This starts happening around 2016, after the curfuffle of the end of the Boskone conflict dies down due to things like the PEPPER treaty. Around then I see plenty of Dane corps looking to get a hold of Fentech.
With all to automation tech I see the Fen introducing, the need for labour that China (and India) currently fulfils would be greatly reduced. As much as it benefits China, I see it annoying them at the same time due to loss of customers.
...And that's where my inspiration falters for the moment.
I don't remember how much OTL China has a hold, but there are significant amounts of metals shipped there for recycling. Not only do local (and superior) facilities drop that, it means less travel for the goods (which not also saves money, but lessens greenhouse emissions which will be a bonus for Governments looking to be see as 'Green'). This I see as further allowing Fentech (waved or not) being implemented locally. Governments will like more local production if it doesn't cost too much (and creates jobs). Along with the mineral resources now commercially available (as Dartz and M Fnord point out), this will drop China's economic footprint.
This starts happening around 2016, after the curfuffle of the end of the Boskone conflict dies down due to things like the PEPPER treaty. Around then I see plenty of Dane corps looking to get a hold of Fentech.
With all to automation tech I see the Fen introducing, the need for labour that China (and India) currently fulfils would be greatly reduced. As much as it benefits China, I see it annoying them at the same time due to loss of customers.
...And that's where my inspiration falters for the moment.