The middle class in China is often mentioned in the media; defining the middle class and determining the pace of its development, however, is subject to much debate and contention. The rising numbers in Asia's middle class are also expected to be a boon for the Australian economy, especially in the tourism sector.

China faces a significant challenge in maintaining food and water security over the next 30 years. With less than ten per cent of the world’s arable land and only seven per cent of its potable water, China must feed 20 per cent of the world’s population.