Written by a team of world-renowned experts from Hong Kong, Australia and the US, this volume of 27 essays addresses the problems and significant issues facing China in the twenty-first century, e.g., the leadership succession, the pressure of political, legal, economic and social reforms, accession to the WTO, the impact of globalisation, the widening gap between the rich and the poor, restructuring of the rural/urban workforce, cultural and ethnic relations, as well as environmental conservation and protection. Each author focuses on a specific topic and offers his/her in-depth analysis in clear and easy-to-understand language. This is an excellent source of reference not only for university students and academics interested in contemporary China, but also for professionals, business executives and entrepreneurs who are involved in China trade and businesses. General readers who want to gain a better understanding of current affairs in China will also find it informative and insightful.