China today bears little resemblance to the country introduced in the first edition of Understanding Contemporary


China, published nearly two decades ago. Even in just the past five years, dramatic changes have occurred under


the leadership of President Xi Jingping.


This new edition of the book reflects those changes, exploring the impact of new domestic policies; China's role


as a behemoth in the world economy; its rapidly modernizing infrastructure; its expanding military presence in the


region; the environmental challenges it confronts; and much more. The result is an accessible, well-grounded look


at the most crucial issues affecting China today.