2008-02-06 An interesting intro to the new China

Ted Fishmans book approaches the task of describing the "relentless rise" of China from a number of angles. He initially outlines a brief history of the nations progress from a command economy the size of Belgium's to one of the world's largest. He then moves on to a succession of fascinating facts and annecdotes covering topics as diverse as the chinese sex industry and VW car assembly lines. The authors respect for and understanding of China is clear and as such it makes for an interesting read. He makes clear that there is a bigger picture than the simple growth of an underdeveloped nation, China is merely regaining the ground lost over the Mao years and doing so it's own way.

The book dissapointed slightly on two counts, I had expected something a little more in depth, the book is definitely one of journalism and not economics. The author has an irritating habit of referring far too much to America and ignoring China's true global effect. Perhaps he felt that an American readership wouldn't be interested if he didn't keep pointing out how China affects them directly. Nonetheless the book does a sterling job overall of introducing some of the many issues, both internal and external, that the rise of China has created.