Understanding China 3rd Edition

After ten years, John Bryan Starr has thoroughly revised and updated his classic introduction to the background of, the data about, and the issues at stake in China's present and future. In the new edition, Starr seamlessly weaves in additional material on the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, the Chinese government's ongoing efforts to curb the influence of the Internet, and the intensifying trade disputes between the United States and China. Succinct, modest, and refreshingly forthright, Understanding China remains a necessary guide for the uninitiated to everything from the Chinese economy and political system, to its intellectual freedoms and human rights, to its relationship with the rest of the world.

In this succinct, modest, and refreshingly forthright book--now revised and updated for the new century--Starr introduces to the uninitiated reader the background, basic data, and issues at stake in China's crisis-ridden present and future. The death of Deng Xioaping in February 1997, revelations about Chinese influence in our election campaigns, and Chinese eagerness to acquire advanced American technology, are only some of the developments that show how urgently we need to know and understand China better than we do. In this revised edition of his essential book, Starr focuses his shrewd attention on them all. He furnishes additional material on China's relations with Taiwan and Tibet, the transfer of Hong Kong to Chinese rule, China's nuclear weapons program, and its environmental and human rights records.

China's rise is undeniable, and its impact on the world is astonishing. But, what do people actually know about this incredibly diverse and unique country? Understanding China is the first of its kind textbook developed with leading Chinese universities that aims to introduce students interested in its history and future to key concepts of Chinese culture and thought. The book covers everything from the economy to medicine, from language to cuisine, to move readers beyond stereotypes and to provide them with a systematic and comprehensive overview of the country. This guide is the one-stop-shop primer to truly engaging with Chinese culture, and it is the first step to truly understanding China.

Presents a revised account of the revolution of 1966-1969 - Examines the social and political consequences of the upheaval - Deng Xiaoping - Democracy movement - Tienamnen Incident - Mao Zedong - The hundred flowers - Great Leap Forward.

The second edition provides a very strong introduction to political institutions and includes a new chapter on public opinion. The entire book has been revised throughout, taking into account the dramatic changes that have emerged since the 2010 congressional elections, as well as incorporating the results of the 2012 presidential election. it also pays close attention to what is seen as the irreversible decline in America's global influence."--Pub. desc.

“An ideal, pocket-sized, 264 page compendium packed from cover to cover with practical advice, insightful commentary, and invaluable tips on places to go, things to see, what to do, and what to avoid. . . . China Survival Guide should be considered an essential 'take-along' for anyone visiting China for business or pleasure.” — Midwest Book Review, May 2014 "Like [having] a professional guide walking alongside you answering your many questions. . . . A must for your next China visit!"—Travel Answer Man Online Compact, affordable, reliable, a delight to read—these qualities are what has made China Survival Guide so popular with first-time and seasoned China travelers. This third edition has a brand new section on train travel, plus updates and fresh recommendations. Includes practical strategies for lodging, walking, haggling, medical and bathroom emergencies, etiquette, crowds, and learning the twin arts of patience and persistence. Frequent China visitors Larry Herzberg and Qin Herzberg are professors of Chinese language and culture at Calvin College in Michigan.

John Bryan Starr examines changes in China's politics, military history, society, culture and human rights policy. He sticks closely to the facts, avoiding theoretical interpretations that are not tethered to evidence. He identifies the fundamental problems confronting China today and then asks whether the Chinese political system is up to the task of resolving them. By the time he has finished reviewing the problems of environmental degradation, inadequate infrastructure, population growth, failed state-owned enterprises, underfinanced education and the rise in both rural and urban discontent he has no alternative but to reach a cautiously pessimistic position: that the most likely prospect for China is an eventual collapse of the party-state system, a development that he believes could be followed by the People's Liberation Army taking on a semi-praetorian role.

In Understanding China’s Economic Indicators, leading economist and Wall Street Journal columnist Thomas M. Orlik introduces 35 of China's most significant economic statistics. Orlik explains why each indicator matters, how it is collected and computed, and its impact on equity, commodity, and currency markets. As China has emerged as a central player in the global economy, more and more investors are seeking profitable opportunities there. To choose the right investments, it's crucial to understand China's economic environment–and that means finding, interpreting, and utilizing China's growing base of economic indicators. Orlik helps investors make sense of data on everything from Chinese GDP growth to inflation, unemployment, bond yields, electricity production, and aircraft passenger numbers. He draws on the best information supplied by the Chinese government's statistical agency, ministries, and industry associations, as well as private sources. Each indicator is clearly described, along with a practical discussion of its implications for investors.