While casinos in Las Vegas took a serious nosedive in 2008 following the global economic downturn, casinos in Macau boomed, allowing their American companies to stay afloat. Now, as Las Vegas looks to regain its seat as the gambling capital of the world, companies are turning to Chinese visitors in hopes of attracting higher revenues and foreign direct investment.

While Zhang Monan acknowledges there are problems facing China’s economy, she points out that a new perspective is key to understanding the future of China as it will take time for analysts to realize the “new normal” of the Chinese growth model.

As Chinese investments in Ecuador continue to increase, Fernando Menéndez examines Ecuador’s dependence on oil exports to China and the impact Chinese influence is having on Ecuador and other ALBA countries.

Jack Ma, founder of Alibaba Group and reportedly the richest man in China, saw his wealth soar with the successful launch of Alibaba’s initial public offering. While the IPO offers insights into global financial trends, it also provides a unique perspective on how income inequality is affecting citizens across the globe.

Alibaba’s stellar NYSE IPO beat even the most optimistic expectations. The IPO is likely to forge close US-China economic and trade ties, and to further integrate the two economies, writes He Weiwen.

Russia’s desire to cushion the impact of recent Western sanctions combined with China’s attempts to reduce its reliance on oil imports from the Middle East has created an opportune partnership for the two countries. Now, Beijing is set to become the biggest benefactor of Moscow’s attenuated international standing, strengthening Sino-Russian relations in the long-term.

Are China’s investigative probes into foreign companies selective and rooted in protectionism? Yu Xiang refutes these claims and explains how China’s antitrust legislation and enforcement has developed since its inception in 2008.

China is promoting economic transition and innovation to seize the new opportunities and it is willing to work with others in the region.

As China’s economy continues to slow, Latin American analysts are concerned that investment and trade relations could decline. However, as Walker Rowe explains, China’s foothold in the region is well established and expected to remain for the foreseeable future.

China faces the challenge of reforming its economic policies, and cooling its housing sector. While the Central Bank is taking appropriate actions, there are numerous challenges that may inhibit future growth.