As we've reported, China's on course to replace Japan as the world's second largest economy by the end of this year. The economy grew by a staggering 10.7 percent in the fourth quarter compared with a year ago, as the country continued to surge forward - even as many others are still struggling to shake off the effects of the global recession.

Over the whole of 2009, Chinese gross domestic product grew 8.7 percent, comfortably above the 8 percent growth-rate benchmark that Chinese leaders believe is necessary to maintain social stability.