China's Regions, Polity and Economy: a Study of Spatial Transformation in the Post-Reform Era

This book addresses spatial issues in China from a novel perspective. After an elaboration of different aspects of foreign investment from Japan, Taiwan, and overseas Chinese, which is the prime motor of growth, the discussion is organized around different spatial scales. It investigates how the reforming Chinese socialist state affects the activity spaces of different members of society, thereby transforming the economy and society at different levels, namely, the region (or province), the city, the village, the factory, and the individual.

The book is of interest to scholars and students of contemporary China. While sundry works have been telling us that China has developed dramatically in the last two decades, this book supplies us with details of what these drastic changes are at different levels. Given China's unique experience -- the only socialist country with persuasive economic growth -- the book also appeals to those interested in socialist societies in transition. It offers fresh insights into how a socialist country prospers without adopting a "big-bang" approach.