[.ca] China's Global Reach: Markets, Multinationals, and ... (ISBN 1596820942)

must read:
This book is for all readers. Not to mention other things, it contains several dozen case studies on global multinationals doing business in China, like Nortel, Manulife, Wal-Mart, P & G, Intel, HSBC, Bank of America, Siemens, Sony, GE, GM, Morgan Stanley, and Microsoft. (Amazingly, this revised and updated volume gives most current info on China -- even events happened in May 2006 are contained here.) It also gives huge info on emerging Chinese multinationals. All the leading Chinese companies such as Haier, Huawei, TCL, Lenovo, China Telecom, Baosteel, China Oil, Sinopec, CNOOC, and Ping An are studied here. Furthermore, comparisons are made between the Chinese companies and their international counterparts. These discussions are straightforward, covering both strengths and weaknesses. Its scope is rather wide: the author aims to identify key factors behind global development: causes, effects, and consequences. He offers vast info and analysis on a changing global production, investment and trade map, which involves all nations, rich or poor. Interesting comparative studies involve US, Canada, Europe, India, Japan and China. Above all, he pinpoints opportunities and challenges under globalization. Also it is highly critical of the abusive Chinese bureaucratic power. Gu claims that China's fundamental weakness is with this overextended, self-appointed bureaucratic power. Vast info and facts are presented to support his statement. He is a high-profile newspaper commentator/consultant that adds much color to his discussions. The author has vast first-hand experiences, so that he gives countless insider's stories. Its style and presentation is very reader friendly and straightforward, but its analysis is overpowering.

powerful lessons:
Author George Zhibin Gu is a high-profile Chinese journalist whose powerful newspaper pieces are widely read. This book is a must read. The reason for my recommendation is simple: This book summarises the key lessons from a fast-changing China under globalization and capitalism. These lessons are powerful. First, an open society is a must in order to gain true development. Second, having foreign involvement is a key driving force for China's quick development in this era. Third, true development must depend on individual private initiatives other than government bureaucracy. George Gu gives rather straightforward analysis on what is behind China's new development. In particular, it gives tremendous information on foreign multinationals and investors doing biz inside. Furthermore, this foreign involvement affects China's society, government and economy in huge ways. In particular, Gu is extremely open about the ills of the Chinese bureaucracy. To overcome the barriers, greater private initiative as well as openness are needed. Also, Author talks about the ever-increasing influences of China's surge on global development. It gives very insightful analysis on a changing global production, investment, and trade map, as well as manufacturing and job transfers, among other issues. Gu also offers much practical advice on doing biz in China. Numerous case studies are presented- both successes and failures.