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This balanced and deeply informed book provides a comprehensive account of China´s Asia policy since the Cold War. Lowell Dittmer traces the PRC´s policy toward its Asian neighbors in the context of the country´s move from a developing nation to a great power, capable of playing a role in world politics commensurate with its remarkable economic rise. The author considers China´s bilateral relations with Russia, Central Asia, South and Southeast Asia, and Australia. Each of these relationships is also viewed in terms of China´s rivalry with the United States, which has viewed China´s rise with admiration tinged with a certain foreboding. Thus, Dittmer employs a triangular analysis to understand Beijing´s attempt to expand in Asia while at the same time deterring Washington´s interference. Reframing the international relations of Asia in a thought-provoking and informed manner, this important book presents a panoramic view of the dynamics at work on all sides of China.

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