China is the fourth largest country in the world and borders 14 other sovereign states including eight New Silk Road countries. The diverse topography of China reflects its size, from snow-capped mountains, deep river valleys and broad basins to high plateaus, rolling plains and volcanic calderas. In general, the land is high in the west and descends to the east coast.

Due to its vast size the climate of China varies by region . The northeast experiences hot, dry summers and freezing winters. The north and central regions experience regular rain fall coupled with hot summers and cold winters. In the southeast semi-tropical summers are the norm with cool winters.

China is a country rich in natural resources including coal, iron ore, petroleum, natural gas and uranium. It also has the potential to become the world's largest resource of hydro power.