The Problem of China

A newly arrived European in China quickly discovers a maze of questions that defy the familiar assumptions of Western life. The author divides these dilemmas into three intertwined strands—economic, political and cultural—showing how each cannot be understood in isolation. From the bustling markets to the corridors of power, the book sketches the sheer scale of the challenges facing a nation that comprises a quarter of humanity.

The cultural dimension takes centre stage, framed as a clash between an “artist nation” and a world driven by money and authority. By treating China’s ancient civilization not as a relic to be rescued but as a living tradition with its own virtues and flaws, the work asks whether the country must adopt foreign vices to survive, and what that choice means for the rest of the world. The author urges readers to abandon the missionary mindset and to confront their own deepest values.

Through clear, reflective prose, the book invites listeners to consider what truly matters—knowledge, art, genuine happiness and friendship—when judging any society. It offers a thoughtful invitation to rethink cultural encounters, suggesting that the answers lie not in grand solutions but in honest, shared inquiry.