Is Chinese Going To Replace English?

There is no doubt that China is getting more and more powerful. Both the political and economical influence of China is on the rise. It is said that 21st century is the century of Chinese. So do you think that Chinese is going to replace English and to become the most important language in the world?

Below you will find an article in The Economist, discussing why the author believes that Chinese is not going to be that language.
http://moreintelligentlife.com/content/ideas/robert-lane-greene/should-you-teach-your-kids-chinese

Following Questiones

1. Do you agree that China resists to switch the characters to alphabet system simply because of tradition and nationalism? Are there any other purpose that Chinese characters serve?

On the other hand, what is the reason that Taiwan insists on using traditional characters instead of simplified ones? Do you think that Taiwanese society should adapt to the simplified-character system for the easy-to- use purpose? Why or why not?

2. Do you believe that being able to speak mandarin will grant you or have granted you more opportunity?
If you could choose, which language would you choose as your first language?

3. Do you agree that one day, Chinese will replace English and become the most common language in the world that everybody knows and most researchers submit thesis in?
What kind of factors are important for a language to become the main language?

4. In which way do you think the life may change in Taiwan and in other mandarin spoken countries if Chinese become the main language?