The Invention of China

Bill Hayton's book "China" explores how China came to think of itself as a nation and its implications for the world today. He shows how the struggle to create a modern nation-state led to geopolitical problems and how radicals adopted European beliefs about race and nation to rethink China's past and create a new future. Chinese nationalism emerged from the connections between east and west, and the country's policies continue to be motivated by these ideas.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 01 April 2022
Publisher: Yale University Press

Bill Hayton's book delves into the intricate history of China's identity formation, exploring how the country came to perceive itself as "China." Through a captivating and accessible narrative, Hayton traces the origins of China's contemporary geopolitical challenges, including the fate of Hong Kong, Taiwan, Tibet, Xinjiang, and the South China Sea. He reveals how the late 19th and early 20th centuries saw a fierce debate among reformers and revolutionaries, who sought to adopt foreign ideas to shape a new vision of China.

The book spans various historical periods, delving into the concepts of nationhood, language, and territory. Hayton highlights how a handful of radicals, often exiled, embraced European beliefs about race and nation to reimagine China's past and shape its future. He weaves together political and personal stories, demonstrating how Chinese nationalism emerged from the complex interplay between the East and the West. These ideas continue to drive China's policies into the 21st century, bolstering its claims to a vast territory spanning from the Pacific to Central Asia.

By asserting a specific version of the past, Chinese governments have strengthened their claims to this expansive territory. Hayton's book offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics of China's identity, its historical struggles, and its impact on the global landscape. It sheds light on the ongoing challenges and opportunities that China faces as it navigates its place in the world.

Weight: 278g
Dimension: 127 x 198 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300264807