ABSTRACT

We will return to what is essential at the end of the chapter, but for the moment, let us assume the basics outlined in the last chapter. The Chinese, as we said, are justly proud of their long history and great culture, and expect foreigners to respect these things. Here we amplify: • the geography of China (where things are); • the history of China (why things are); • the ethnic make-up of China (who the Chinese are); • the culture of China, with reference to particularly important points such

as language, food, literature and the arts; • the current government of China and the political situation; • the Chinese economy and its future prospects; • Chinese attitudes to the West (both official and unofficial).