China is thus best described as a semi-peripheral country in the capitalist world system. … Because of the structural barriers of the capitalist world system, it is unlikely that China will become a member of the core.

What countries belong to core?

AustraliaAustriaDenmarkFinlandFranceHong KongIcelandIrelandJapanLuxembourgNetherlandsSingaporeSpainSwedenUnited States

Which countries are core and periphery?

Core countries are dominant capitalist countries that exploit peripheral countries for labor and raw materials. Peripheral countries are dependent on core countries for capital and have underdeveloped industry. Semi-peripheral countries share characteristics of both core and peripheral countries.