A LEADING authority on the rise of China will explain how he thinks the world will change in response to the new global superpower.

Martin Jacques, the author, broadcaster and speaker, is visiting Yorkshire next month to deliver a lecture at Leeds Metropolitan University.

The institution is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its partnership with the College of Management at Zhejiang University of Technology in Hangzhou, China, with a series of guest lectures.

Mr Jacques is the author of the global bestseller ‘When China Rules the World: the End of the Western World and the Birth of a New Global Order’.

First published in 2009 and shortlisted for two major literary awards, it has since been translated into fourteen languages and sold more than 300,000 copies.

In his lecture, Mr Jacques will argue that China will replace the United States as the world’s dominant power; in so doing, it will not become more western but the world will become more Chinese.

Other speakers include Ken Ma, a business development manager in the Alibaba Group. He is a Leeds Metropolitan University graduate and will explore the rise of the Chinese digital giant and its global strategy, looking in detail at its new investment initiatives and the future of online retailing.

Alibaba is a group of internet-based businesses with a mission to make it easy for anyone to buy or sell anywhere in the world.

Since its inception, it has developed leading businesses in consumer e-commerce, online payment, business-to-business marketplaces and cloud computing and has expanded into new areas such as mobile apps, mobile operating system and Internet TV.

Stephen Phillips, the chief executive of the China-Britain Business Council, will talk about the future development of UK and European trade links with China and the opportunities for British companies.

Tom Riordan, chief executive of Leeds Council, and Lurene Joseph, chief executive of Leeds and Partners, will explore the city region’s strong links to Zheijang province, focusing on collaboration between the two areas and the new Leeds China Club.

Speaking about the July 1 event, Professor Christopher Price, Dean of the Faculty of Business and Law at Leeds Metropolitan University, said: “I am delighted that Leeds Business School is hosting this important and prestigious event which celebrates the close ties between Leeds and Hangzhou.

“The event covers a number of very important issues that I hope will provide insights into how companies can make the most of the growing number of opportunities to develop business links with our friends in China.”

Professor John Shutt, one of the organisers, added: “Hangzhou is the fourth largest city in China and has a special relationship with Leeds, developed over the last 28 years.”