The Struggle for Taiwan: A History of America, China, and the Island Caught Between

The Struggle for Taiwan: A History of America, China, and the Island Caught Between by Sulmaan Wasif Khan

Taiwan has been caught in battle among various superpowers. For most of the history it was an independent island, not part of China. During the Qing dynasty, it was a Chinese colony. Then it became occupied by Japan. After Japan lost World War II things got weird. China claimed it. When the communists were at the point of defeating the nationalists, Taiwan was claimed as the nationalists stronghold. It claimed to rule over all of China. The United States became involved. There were many points where things could have turned out differently. It could have been fully independent or it could have been part of a "one country many systems" set up. The US continues to support Taiwan, even though it recognizes mainland China as the legitimate country.  China thinks of Taiwan as a part of China, while Taiwanese are conflicted on whether they want full independence or association with China. However, much of the decision is outside of their control with two world powers desiring to show their influence.

A Map for the Missing: A Novel

A Map for the Missing: A Novel by Belinda Huijuan Tang

Tang Yitian is a  Chinese man from a small village currently working as a young professor at Stanford. He receive a call from home that his father is missing. He rushes back to China to see him. The novel combines his search with flashbacks to his earlier life. In this trip back he finds out more about his father and family and helps to reconcile his family relationship. He discovers that his father and brother likely had dyslexia which made learning difficult. This coupled with the cultural revolution made his father disdain learning. (His grandfather was an academic, which made life difficult during the cultural revolution.)  Yitian tries to hunt down his dad, and later learns that his  dad has alzheimer's and wandered off. Yitian enlists the help of an old friend and learns what became of her life in the process. Through flashbacks, we learn of the test and the experience that led him to enter the university in China and the impact it had on his family. His brother also died via meningitis liked contracted from their visit to the city. Other details of his life are gradually unfolded. In the end he appears to reconcile with his family and the small village life as he discovers that his wife is finally pregnant back in California. In hunting down his dad, Yitian finds that his dad had been trying to purchase history books to help reconcile with his son, completing the family reconciliation. Yitian's life is very different from that of a villager, yet there are still common bonds. While the novel is set in China at the precipice of great change, the feelings of belonging and being separate can be easily applied anywhere.

The Party's Interests Come First: The Life of Xi Zhongxun, Father of Xi Jinping

The Party's Interests Come First: The Life of Xi Zhongxun, Father of Xi Jinping by Joseph Torigian

Loyalty to the communist party is key to success in Chinese government. This long biography explores the life of Xi Zhongxun and his experiences living through communist upheaval. He had various ups and downs with relationship to his role in China. It can be especially problematic when he knew there were problems with the implementation of government policies, yet he also knew that speaking up could risk is position. The book provides an interesting exploration of the rise of Mao and post-Maoist China by focusing on one person who was involved in the history in prominent, but not dominant positions. His son would go on to be the leader of China.

The Great Chinese Art Heist: Imperialism, Organized Crime, and the Hidden Story of China's Stolen Artistic Treasures

The Great Chinese Art Heist: Imperialism, Organized Crime, and the Hidden Story of China's Stolen Artistic Treasures by Ralph Pezzullo

Westerners had taken many artistic treasures from China during China's period of weakness. These days, China wants it back. What can't be received directly, art has often suddenly disappeared. It has appeared that China's wealthy (possibly with consent of the government) have employed criminal gangs to steal Chinese treasures valuable to them.

There are various conflicting values in play. Should people return appropriated items? Why does it seem that just the ones in power have artifacts returned? What if the artifacts have played a role in the culture that currently possesses them, even if they did not create them? Is it ok to steal back what was stolen?  The book does not make many judgements.

Chaos Under Heaven: Trump, Xi, and the Battle for the Twenty-First Century

Chaos Under Heaven: Trump, Xi, and the Battle for the Twenty-First Century by Josh Rogin

Trump's foreign policy was a mess. Little was coherent and he could jump from idea to another just on whim. The key figures in his administration were there based on relationships with Trump rather than qualifications. With Chine, he would do things that would offend China (like take a call from Taiwan president.) Then he would bend over backwards to sign deals with them. He would ban TikTok, then launch tariffs. Much of the work was to make sure he and his friends were enriched. He would even go to name calling (like the China virus). China has been holding the upper hand for a while. They have been great at extracting secrets. China has had researchers in the US send secrets back to China. Companies must have arrangements with Chinese companies and often see their deas go back to China. 

The book quickly explains China relations and Trump behavior, then goes  goes on for a bit too long. The author even toots his own horn to brag about "exposing" Chinese connections to Covid-19. 

1587, a year of no significance: The Ming dynasty in decline

1587, a year of no significance: The Ming dynasty in decline by Ray Huang

By 1587, the Ming dynasty was in terminal decline. The government continued to function, however, the base to its legitimacy was fading away. This book is written in the style of somebody living through the empire and experiencing the decline. It is clear there are a multitude of forces involved. The empire is in a state where the ideal and communications are different from the actual. Humility and frugality are important. However, these are more principles than actual practice. Government officials will preach frugality, but live an ostentatious life. The empire has built on Confucian ideals. It has evolved to be too rigid and difficult to change. Even when actions diverge from the principles, they have been ingrained by the behavior. On the other hand, massive changes can occur when leadership changes. A high level government official can drive out those that they do no like and raise up their friends. Once they are out of power, the leadership changes again.

The book has a number of different chapters that focus on certain people that have a tie to 1587, the year o the Pig. The "year of no significance" has a double meaning. On one side, it can be taken literally because the year is not incredibly significant. On the other hand it can be treated as the imperial doublespeak for "the most important year." Nothing really did happen, but it was emblematic of the downfall of the empire. A chapter covers the young emperor and his disdain for protocol. Another chapter covers a tutor who assumed significant power with display of frugality while living a secretly extravagant life. One chater discovers an official who enforced rules and true frugality. He somehow got into a position of power, but had that taken away. Military officials and others all had their discussion. A system of rent-taking and doublespeak had come about as the society was declining. Through the civil service people from all walks of life had a possibility of entering the upper echelons of society.  However, this also left little continuity. With the enlightenment bringing intellectual changes, the empire has little left to support itself.

The Shenzhen Experiment: The Story of China’s Instant City

The Shenzhen Experiment: The Story of China’s Instant City by Juan Du

Shenzhen seemingly rose up from a small fishing village to a 10 million person city in a few decades. While the actual growth is not quite as extreme as that, it has been a positive example of reforms and special economic zones.

The area now occupied by Shenzhen has had settlements dating back millenia. There were trading towns, farmers and a vibrant shellfish industry. The area was located next to Hong Kong, with many farmers having farms spanning the border between China and Hong Kong. There was significant immigration across the border, especially after the communist revolution. Eventually, the government decided to clamp down and institute strict border crossings.

Deng Xiaoping had encouraged economic reforms in the Shenzhen area. There seemed to be a "Why can't we do it as good as Hong Kong?" mentality involved. Shenzhen was set up as a special economic zone. The local government was given a greater degree of autonomy and freedom to implement and reform economic policy. Business from throughout China and other areas (such as Hong Kong) were encouraged to participate in development. The region was able to put up buildings quickly. Large number of Chinese peoples migrated to Shenzhen (both legally and illegally).

The people already living there responded in various ways. Many converted their homes into "peasant housing" walkup approaching 10 stories high. These areas were often later demolished in favor of "luxury units" - which would allow the long-termers to live there and collect rents. The city had a goal of no slums. However, the "slums" provided a critical housing need for those migrants without official residency status.

The book covers an interesting history. However, the writing could use improvement. It meanders back and forth in time and place and repeats itself. It can be difficult to grasp a complete narrative. Shenzhen did seem to come out of nowhere and achieve great success. It has had some problems. It would be great to have some more detailed analysis.

The River at the Center of the World: A Journey Up the Yangtze, and Back in Chinese Time

The River at the Center of the World: A Journey Up the Yangtze, and Back in Chinese Time by Simon Winchester

Things can change a lot in two decades in China. Today, you could take a nonstop train from Shanghai to Tibet. The two day journey will take you overland and let you enjoy the scenery.  No need to struggle on back roads. If you want to stick closer to the Yangtze, you could take the high speed rail to get to Chengdu in less than 12 hours. There are also numerous flights available that can take you quickly in comfort.

However, speed is not the point of this voyage. The author wanted to stick close to the river and explore the various cities and features along the way. Some of these isolated farming areas are still there, mostly unchanged. Some areas are now among the many villages inundated by the Three Gorges Dam. Some places remain in a sense, but are now far ahead technologically, with high rise buildings and cell phones available. Some of the traditional practices have faded away, while others remain. Even Tibet has become more technologically advanced (and a bit more Chinese.)

The book is a travel book, interspersed with historical background. He sets up to travel the length of the river. Along the way, he gives history of interesting parts. He meets up with people and has struggles on the travel. It is by no means a complete account of the areas, but provides instead highlights of what is interesting to him. British imperial activity and Maoist actions are primarily covered. Other parts of historical significance are mentioned only in passing. The actions and reactions of the people are also of interest. It seems the world has tried to "abandon" China at times, only to have China say "fine, we'll do it our way."

For the Glory: Eric Liddell's Journey from Olympic Champion to Modern Martyr

For the Glory: Eric Liddell's Journey from Olympic Champion to Modern Martyr by Duncan Hamilton

Eric Liddell was a crazy fast Scottish runner immortalized in Chariots of Fire. He was also devoutly religious and served as a missionary in China rather than compete in further Olympics. He was undefeated in almost everything he ran. Perhaps his only second-place finished occurred shortly before he died. He died in a Japanese-run internment camp in China. He kept his spirits up, continued to help others, and wrote about faith. He died in the waning days of World War II from an undiagnosed brain tumor and malnutrition.

The book is fairly detailed. I found it interesting to read it shortly after reading other books about Mao and the Chinese revolution. Liddell's life was involved in the same events, but from a western perspective that differed significantly from the Chinese view.

Mao and Markets: The Communist Roots of Chinese Enterprise

Mao and Markets: The Communist Roots of Chinese Enterprise by Christopher Marquis and Kunyuan Qiao

China is not Russia. Initially, Mao was influenced by Soviet Communism. However, he later went his own way. The Chinese background was much different than that of Russia. Chinese society also has a number of underlying, primarily Confucian beliefs that differ from those of Russia. Chinese communism had started in the rural areas, rather than factories. The Chinese also had a Japanese occupation to respond to as well as another government to deal with. 

Mao's reign was defined by a number of key episodes that continue to influence business today. Many large businesses have followed a similar path of starting in rural areas and then expanding into cities. Business leaders that lived through the Great Leap Forward tend to be very frugal. Leaders that went through the cultural revolution have less respect for the rule of law. The Third Front helped launch key business hubs in remote locations. Some of these have gone on to prosper today.

Modern China has become very capitalist, while still maintaining Communist rule. There are many communist party members. To join the party, one must go through a fairly extensive process. Party membership is not a prerequisite for business leadership. However, business that have multiple party members will set up an organization. The government itself is an extension of the party. Top down control is exerted over the country. However,  individual regions have significant autonomy. Thus individual localities may compete with others and may have different policies that work for or against businesses.

Charitable giving and relationships are also a key part of Chinese business. Business leaders typically result to relationships rather than the courts to resolve disputes. Charitable giving and support of the country is seen as part of the duties of a business leader. Many charitable organizations are also tied to the communist party.

Things are not all rosy for business leaders. Prison terms are not uncommon for those that speak out against the government. Local leaders may implement anti-business policies. Some wealthy business leaders have sought to leave the country to protect their wealth.

China has achieved great economic growth while maintaining the single party leadership. There is significant autonomy within the system to support a variety of ideas. Communism and capitalism work fine together. How will they fare in an economic downturn?

Red Star over China

Red Star over China: The Classic Account of the Birth of Chinese Communism by Edgar Snow

In the 1930s, Mao was a mystery to the west. Edgar Snow traveled up to the areas held by Red China to talk with Mao and see what was going on. At the time, Mao was far from taking full control over China. He was originally a teacher and had helped in a Communist rising in China. They were influenced by the Russian communism and hoped to set up a true peasant-based communism in China. 

The book is a journalistic story. We hear Mao's story. In this story the peasants hate the ruling "White" Chinese, but jump to the support of the Communist "Red" Chinese. The ruling Whites treat the Reds as bandits. However, the Reds realize they are fighting for a noble cause. They want democracy and rights for everyone. They advocate freedom, including religious and minority freedom. They are primarily against the Japanese imperialist and want to have a China rules by the Chinese. Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek is often portrayed as a poor leader who is too supportive of the rich and imperialists.

It is interesting to see how Mao wanted to portray himself. He thought of himself as an idealist. He may well have been. He may well have been. However, rebelling may have been quite different from actually leading. It is hard to see how the cultural revolution and great leap forward would come about. However, some of Mao's early criticisms of his education give some hints. He felt he was right and was upset about other classes (like art) that he felt were a waste of time. He wanted to be a teacher, but ended up a leader of a billion people. 

The Story of China: The Epic History of a World Power from the Middle Kingdom to Mao and the China Dream

The Story of China: The Epic History of a World Power from the Middle Kingdom to Mao and the China Dream by Michael Wood

Michael Wood writes a history of China from a western point of view. While the book covers the "long" history of China, the bulk of the time is spent on times where we would most likely no off or be able to see. It feels like it rockets through early history. Once Marco Polo comes to the scene it slows down a bit. Then we start to get into great detail with the opium wars. Mao comes into play in the context of the revolution. He fits well within the imperial narrative as a charismatic leader who made plenty of mistakes that could only be admitted at later times. Modern China is still waffling between canonization and condemnation of Mao. China is a modern country, but its modernity differs from that of Europe.

Red Roulette: An Insider's Story of Wealth, Power, Corruption, and Vengeance in Today's China

Red Roulette: An Insider's Story of Wealth, Power, Corruption, and Vengeance in Today's China by Desmond Shum

Despite an "opening up" of capitalism, China is still ruled by an all-powerful communist party. The author details his experience working in the Chinese system. He was born in Shanghai, but later moved to Hong Kong, and eventually attended college in the United States. He was not the greatest student, but he did have some athletic experience. He was interested in business ventures and attempted to navigate the Chinese system. He met his wife who had similar interests. However, she was much better at currying favor with officials. They worked together on projects including an airport project. This project required approvals from a large number of different people and thus many relationships. 

The relationship process can be challenging in China. If a person falls out of favor, the relationship can fall apart, and possibly drag you down with it. Everyone risks falling out of favor with party leadership. A person that is a perceived threat could be accused of corruption and find themselves in jail. Spouses and children will often use their family relationship for personal gain - which can lead to the downfall of the entire family.

This book details some of the wheeling and dealing that is needed to survive in China as well as the problems with those that fall out of favor. Though the author had divorced his wife, they still remained on friendly terms. However, she eventually was seen as a threat to somebody in leadership and disappeared under suspicious circumstances. 

The rule of law seems to be the antidote to the internal schmoozing for favors in countries like China. But are things really that much different in the west? Much of business and politics is built on relationships. Those in power can help accelerate or delay approvals. There are more open rules and processes, but things are still not fully transparent. Often the "rules" can just be bent to help justify the outcome developed by the relationship. The problems still remain, though they are perhaps not quite as extreme as China.

Empire of Silver: A New Monetary History of China

Empire of Silver: A New Monetary History of China by Jin Xu

While gold has often been important in the western world, silver has been the precious metal of choice in China. At times, this had enabled great arbitrage opportunities, as silver fetched a higher value in China. This book looks at the detailed history of silver and finances in China, going back to ancient times. The author goes on to tie the opium wars to silver and then finishes out looking at modern Chinese banking and finance. It is interesting to read about how currency and finance evolved separately in China, yet still went through many of the same ups and downs as other parts of the world.

Death of a Red Heroine: Inspector Chen Series, Book 1

Death of a Red Heroine: Inspector Chen Series, Book 1 by Qiu Xiaolong

The author of the book was a Chinese national who was visiting the US when the Tiananmen Square protests occurred. He was against the crackdown, and ended up staying in the United States. This book was a way for him explore conditions in China, with the mystery part serving as a vehicle. He explores the importance of loyalty to the party in decisions. The relationship is complex. It is important for all people to be treated similarly. However, the masses also need to see the party as a trustworthy organization. The inspector treads that fine line as he investigates a murder case. A body was found tossed in a somewhat remote body of water. It turns out she was an important party member. The suspected murderer is also an influential party member. Will the murder be swept under the rug? Or will he be punished. Solving the mystery is less important to the story than guessing what will happen. Once the party decides a course of action, it moves swiftly. There are also cases of people violating standards required for the country. As long as they stay out of trouble, party members can get away with things that normal people cannot. But if they do get in trouble, they will quickly feel the wrath of the law.

The Poppy War: A Novel

The Poppy War: A Novel by R. F. Kuang

I enjoyed Yellowface, and thought Babel was decent. I had high hopes for Poppy wars. Alas, it was "too" fantasy. It takes place in a world resembling 13th century China, with events closer to Maoist China. A country finds itself oppressed by a larger federation. A peasant girl studies so she can have the chance to go to the elite military school. She gets the highest score and makes it. There she makes friends (and enemies) and studies the forgotten "magic" of the gods. There are battles and wars, with the other side pretty much dictating terms. The girl learns to channel more magical power, and even seeks to help free locked away gods to help fight for her. 

The novel proceeds slowly with the characters spending a lot of time questioning their motives. I had trouble caring enough. There is also drug use (hence the "Poppy" in the title.) However, it seemed more a side action than a core part of the book. 

At the end of the audiobook, there is a brief interview with the author. (Surprisingly, they also included "fluff" from the podcast episode.) The quick summary and the interview were my favorite parts. I enjoy it when an author describes part of their process and what they were trying to acomplish.

The Water Kingdom: A Secret History of China

The Water Kingdom: A Secret History of China by Philip Ball

Water has played a key role in the history of China. There have been great water projects in many eras of the China's history. Canals date from well over 2000 years ago. The modern Three Gorges Dam is one of biggest in the world.  Control of water for crops has contributed to strength of central government. China has had a navy and sailed through other nearby areas of Asia. However, they never had the bold exploration ambitions of Europeans. This was in part due to the great distances to travel and the lower importance of Chinese coastline.

This book has an interesting thesis. It does get a bit confusing as it is organized on topics, and will go through the history from one topic, then explore the same history from another point of view. There are certain areas (such as Maoist and modern China) that do get more coverage.

The Problem of China

Over 100 years ago, Bertrand Russell spent some time in China. He wrote about his observations and the implications for the western world. He understood that China had an advanced civilization that developed in a way different from the west. Both the United States and Europe had their own world view that they viewed to be superior to others. This view led to significant misunderstanding of both China and Asia. He hoped that China would learn from the experiences of the west and adopt the good while eschewing the problematic. Today, that seems so naive. China today has adopted both the good and the bad from the west, in many cases out-westing the west.

Some of the discussions in the book are quite interesting today. This was written before the Maoist experiment in China. Sun Yat Sen barely appears. China was still more concerned with the Japanese. The country was barely developed with some small railway lines. What would Russell have thought of the China of today with miles and miles of high speed rail? 

Russian Bolshevism was viewed as something that could not be adopted in China due in part to the culture and independence. There seems to be some truth to this. Even though China did adopt communism, it has had a very independent, capitalistic flair. The government is centralized, yet there is a significant degree of provincial autonomy.

It is fascinating to see how much Russell got right about China 100 years ago. Even the parts that he seemed to miss often had a kernel of truth. In spite of this work, the west has struggled understanding China for the past century. 

Red Carpet: Hollywood, China, and the Global Battle for Cultural Supremacy

Hollywood has dominated the entertainment industry. The movies have also helped to spread American culture throughout the world. China liked that idea. They sought to copy the model. At first China would pair with US media. Hollywood films were shown in China. 

China requires films to be "approved" for display in China. The approval requirements are not document. However, Hollywood learned what would allow a movie to be approved and adapted movies to succeed in China. Nudity is a no go, as is pro-Tibet or anti-China content. Movies should also generally show authorities in a good light and not have ghosts. Hollywood studios have taken these to heart and "self-censored" their films to appeal to China. 

Most movie studios are large multi-national companies. This leaves them susceptible to the whims of the Chinese. A movie offensive to the Chinese could result in repercussions for the company even if the movie is never screened in China. Companies do not want to risk their blockbusters and thus are unlikely to greenlight movies that portray China negatively. (Something similar happened in Germany before World War II)

Hollywood studios need the proper balance to appeal to China. Pandering too much will turn off the Chinese audience. A movie like Transformers with built in appeal and Chinese strengths works much better than a western version of China in Mulan. Kung Fu Panda also did great, while Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon did not.

China's next goal is to be a producer. China has produced significant movies in house such as Wandering Earth. However, these are rarely very popular outside of China. Another goal is to arouse patriotism in China. This has been succeeding. It is just not spreading. China continues to encourage the local industry, but is also cautious to prevent them from overpaying for glamor.

China is going down a path that America had gone down a century ago. Will they come to dominate media like they have other industries?

China Mountain Zhang

China Mountain Zhang is the Chinglish version of the main character in this "novel" collection of short stories set in a near-future world. The United States has gone through a depression and great cleansing and is now dominated by China. Zhang is a gay half-Chinese, half-hispanic engineering tech. His ability to speak fluent Mandarin is an asset as is his genetic engineering used to look "pure" Chinese. He manages to take some "hardship" positions that give him greater opportunities. However, he prefers to teach engineering in a local college. At a time he is also set up with an ugly daughter of a foreman. In another story, this daughter has face surgery, but the experiences with other boys is not great. The world is a curious post-economic crash Communist utopia with all its warts, but the focus is more on the individual life than the world.