China and the Global Economy Since 1840

This is a study of the long-run evolution of the relationship between China and the world economy. Focusing on China's responses to the expansion of the capitalist world economy, the book presents an original interpretation of the country's socioeconomic processes in the past century and a half. The author argues that the general thrust of China's quest for development or 'modernisation' has been to catch up with the Western wealthy nations, and explains the changing paths and outcomes.