China is constantly in the spotlight today, with news and stories about the controversial issues of international finance, population, and human rights. This "very brief introduction" analyzes the issues, developments, and contradictions that have shaped modern China, through a range of topics that span from the contrast of its ancient heritage to the emergence of its identity as an "economic miracle."

In this updated edition, Rana Mitter provides a contemporary perspective on the most populous nation on the planet, taking into account China's changing foreign policy and its unique interaction with the internet. Successfully and comprehensively depicting the image of contemporary Chinese society, it highlights the country's current international position and thoroughly analyzes its upgrade in international significance over the past decade.