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This timely and thought-provoking book offers a long-overdue, balanced perspective on China’s remarkable transformation- from a constrained economy in the late 1970s to a global powerhouse by 2024. Through a deep dive into the reforms of Deng Xiaoping, the principles of Chinese governance, and the socio-economic forces driving its ascent, the authors provide a nuanced understanding of China’s evolving role on the world stage.
Covering topics such as China’s internal strengths and challenges, its global influence, and its unique governance model, the book encourages respectful dialogue and informed engagement. It is an essential resource for policymakers, business leaders, academics, and students seeking clarity on China’s past, present, and future.
Testimonials For Understanding China
Pankaj Mishra, Author of From the Ruins of Empire: The Intellectuals Who Remade Asia
“…Those looking for a picture undistorted by ideology and resentment of how China reshapes the world can do no better than read this impressively researched and detailed account.”
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Bernard Charnwut Chan, GBM, GBS, JP. Chairman and President of Asia Financial Holdings & Former Convenor of the Executive Council of Hong Kong SAR
“Chandran Nair’s Understanding China: Governance, Socio-Economics, Global Influence is a timely and essential work that offers an insightful and balanced perspective on one of the most significant transformations in modern history…This book provides a comprehensive analysis that cuts through the noise of media narratives. It serves as an invaluable resource for policymakers, academics, and anyone seeking to grasp the complexities of China’s governance model, economic evolution, and growing global impact. Additionally, it fosters informed dialogue and deeper international understanding.”
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Daniel A. Bell, Author of Why China’s Ancient Political Thought Matters.
“Where to go for a one-stop, comprehensive, balanced, and thought-provoking analysis of China’s rapid rise over the last few decades? This book!”
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George Yeo Yong-Boon, Former Foreign Minister of Singapore
…Chandran Nair has authored a useful book for those who seek to have a sense of what China will become in the coming years.”
On the 29th of January 2026, GIFT and the Asia Society Hong Kong Center were pleased to co-present an event to mark the launch of 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐚: 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐨‑𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐬, 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞, the new publication by GIFT Founder & CEO, Chandran Nair.
We were honoured to welcome over 200 guests from across government, academia, diplomacy, multinational corporations, and the non‑profit sector. The strong turnout and ensuing discussion reflected a genuine appetite for deeper, fact‑based dialogue about China’s development and its role in a rapidly changing world.
During the conversation, Chandran and Ronnie Chan, Chairman of Asia Society Hong Kong Center, discussed several important themes that also shape the book:
- The importance of context when analysing China
Separating ideology from facts is imperative, and one must avoid the oversimplified narratives common in global media - China’s global role
How economic and geopolitical scale influences global systems, why responsible state oversight matters, and why cooperation rather than confrontation is essential for global stability - New political and economic thinking
A rising trend in China and an urgent need for Asia and other emerging regions, where Western economic models may not align with demographic, environmental, and developmental realities.
The Understanding China book offers a timely, accessible, and non‑ideological framework for understanding the country at a pivotal moment in global affairs.
Sincere thanks to those who joined us for an engaging and thoughtful evening, and to Asia Society Hong Kong Center, HSBC, Crown Wine Cellars and other supporters who helped make the event possible.
