China is the world's next superpower. Should the West celebrate - or be afraid? Accessible and straightforward, China: Friend or Foe? is the first popular exploration of one of the biggest issues of the next hundred years. China's economy is growing phenomenally, with half the world's cranes currently on its soil. Its 1.3 billion people have around 300 million mobile phones, and a purchasing power second only to the US. Yet, especially in rural areas, there is widespread poverty. But few in the West know much about China. Popular press coverage is limited to stereotypes and the serious media to economics and business. What does it mean to us? Hugo de Burgh explores the key questions: - How is China managed? - What are its relations with its neighbours? - Who are China's political elite? - What do Chinese people know about the rest of the world? - Will the Chinese economy provide huge new opportunities for trade? - How is China using its political and cultural influence? - What about China's human rights record? In short - is China a friend to be welcomed or a foe to be guarded against?