Mitter presents a very brief history of 20th Century China and follows it with the question "Is China modern?" He breaks it into a section on economy, politics and culture. To each, his answer is "kind of". In all areas, it has aspects of modernity, but some areas that hold it back. Mitter generally defines modernity by its similarities to western societies, but does accept that it is possible to be modern with an Asian identity. He argues that the free market of the last 30 years has dramatically boosted the economy while exponentially increasing the gulf between right and poor. But political cronyism, suspect banking practices and currency manipulation are anchors that limit long-term prospects. Interestingly, he argues that China is using the economic basis of Meiji Japan as a basis. It started by producing small good requiring relatively light industry, but will use those profits to push into more lucrative fields of computers and technology. In the field of technology, China has made some amazing advances into the next generation, but most of the country's technology is old and decrepit. Their focus on show pieces creates impressive results, but does little for the overall economy and functioning of society. Similarly in culture, China has made remarkable creative advances in the arts since the 1980's, but their artists are hamstrung by political restrictions by the state.

Mitter seems to want to put the breaks on Sinophobia by saying that as fast as China is advancing, its political system is an albatross that will become more of a problem in the future. He hints that the only way for it to truly become a threat is for political change. I may be reading too much into it, but I felt as those Mitter believes that if it opens politically, it's relationship with the United States will be much improved, removing it as the boogie man that many see it as now. ( )