Understanding China: An Insight into the History, Civilization, and On-going Transformation

The recent changes in China have been phenomenal! Not only have we have seen its rapid development in industry and technology capabilities, but its military power and foreign affairs are just awesome. Calipe Chong is not attempting to exaggerate China achievements, nor is he lauding its glory and power. It is not his intention to also show the weaknesses and malicious behavior of the Chinese. He just wants to present what it was previously, what it once went through, and what the nation is right now. Calipe's purpose is to depict facts and actual situations happening in China which are not reported adequately in the foreign countries.

Between 1989 and 1996, Calipe traveled often to China for business trips. In 1997, he moved to China. Since then, Calipe traveled, worked, and lived in many Chinese cities and met many businessmen and government officials. The exchanges helped him to understand Chinese culture, behavior, and business practices. He also witnessed the drastic change in China from what the country was in 1989 to the present day.

During his tenure in China, Calipe had a strong interest in learning Chinese history and culture and worked well to bridge the cultural gap between his co-workers and Chinese clients. He helped both sides to understand, appreciate, and accommodate each other’s differences and expectations in order to achieve common goals.

All these experiences helped Calipe to comprehend the changes he saw in China from a naive and shy country during his first arrival in 1989 to an assertive and proud nation today. The country now has more self-esteem and deals with foreigners comfortably and confidently. Patriotism in China is running high now, and the nation will not take intimidation easily from other countries!

Given his multi-cultural background, Calipe maneuvered easily between his Western colleagues and clients with Chinese parties. His ability to provide clear explanations and illustrations on the expectations and behavior of both sides helped to foster better mutual understanding and less suspicion so that we could conclude deals in an amiable manner. It was during those years of facilitating negotiations, exchanges, and meetings, that he realized both sides need to understand each other more. This would help to enhance businesses, inter-relationships, and peace.

This book is beneficial to those foreigners who want to conduct businesses or activities with the Chinese whether in their home countries or in China itself. It is his wish this book will enlighten Western readers with more in-depth knowledge and insights about the people and country called “China.”

Chinese nationals may also find this book helpful to enhance their understanding of their culture, history, and customs, from the view of an overseas Chinese person, while also catching a glimpse of how other foreigners see them.