ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores the evolutions and dynamics of China's transformation in a combined and mutually dependent and mutually reinforcing 'four-China' framework: the historical-cultural China; the revolutionary socialist China; the economic China and the political China. The 'cultural China' refers to the long period of 'historical China', an old civilization whose philosophy and classics has had a worldwide impact and inspired many European intellectuals, both past and present. The economic history of the relationship between Europe and China from a developmental perspective and explains the shift that occurred with the European aggressive progress and Chinese regressive decline. The book contributes to a much needed process of understanding China's engagement in the international aid system, and it does so through an assessment of the opportunities and dangers China represents to the system.
