ABSTRACT

China has experienced the world's fastest economic growth for over a decade. It is likely that within a generation, China will have the world's largest economy. Yet, at the moment when China looks set to regain its former power, serious questions have to be asked about the continuing integrity of China. The challenges posed by economic reform, succession politics, and new forces of political liberalism are compounded by boundary uncertainties, as China adopts a strategy of greater interdependence with the regional and global economy. The writers of this book analyse the factors that might lead to and that might prevent the break-up of China. They provide key data about economic activity and external connections of the major regional forces. Their analysis provides essential reading for those concerned with the prospects for China, and the future stability of East Asia.

chapter 1|20 pages

The politics of regionalism

Economic development, conflict and negotiation

chapter 2|38 pages

‘Reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated’

The history of the death of China

chapter 4|34 pages

Economic reform and the internal division of labour in China

Production, trade and marketing

chapter 5|46 pages

The many worlds of China's provinces

Foreign trade and diversification

chapter 6|25 pages

Guangdong

Greater Hong Kong and the new regionalist future

chapter 7|22 pages

Regionalism in Fujian

chapter 10|15 pages

Xinjiang

Relations with China and abroad