For a typical Westerner bound in Western conventionalism and parochialism, engendering an understanding of the policies and practices of the People's Republic of China (China) necessitates understanding a modern China in light of Chinese traditional culture (or philosophy), or a China in antiquity. This book provides information in this regard.

This book begins, and perhaps should end, with an excerpt from the writings of the late eminent Chinese scholar, Fung Yu-lan (or Feng Youlan) (1895-1990), who wrote: "The ancient Chinese culture is an inherent factor determining the Chinese style.". If the latter enunciation of Fung Yu-lan stirs one's interest in Chinese culture for the typical reasons, such as, an interest in ancient periods of China; romanticism, which focuses on the exotic and mysterious, for example, Zen Buddhism and Taoism; or simply as the source of exotic objets d'art, then all the better. Because for a typical Westerner bound in Western conventionalism and parochialism, engendering an understanding of the policies and practices of the People's Republic of China (China) necessitates understanding a modern China in light of Chinese traditional culture (or philosophy), or a China in antiquity. The consequence of Chinese traditional culture affects many political economy concerns of modern China, ranging from socio-economic, political, to international trade and other concerns. Indeed, philosophical antecedents influence modern Chinese policies and practices.

Introduction
Political Economy of Antiquity
Chinese Culture and Globalisation
The Silk Road
Who Will Change China?
Defining Technocratic Reformist
Taiwan, Human Rights and Trade
Ideology and Trade Policy
Modern Textiles and Silk
Political Economy of Military Affairs
Conclusion
Index.