This book addresses one of the most pressing geopolitical inquiries of our era: how will
China's ambition manifest on the global stage? To address this question the book considers
China's long tradition of statecraft. By doing this it provides a unique and novel insight
into the why behind China's actions and sparks a crucial dialogue on how to best navigate
China's global rise. Through a keen analytical lens the book illuminates both the constraints
and the flexibility inherent in Chinese policy-making. It underscores the geographic and
historical factors that constrain China's actions forcing its leaders into trade-offs. It also
highlights the system's inherent flexibility expanding the range of strategic options
available when dealing with China. The most unique contribution consists in framing the
pre-occupations of contemporary China in the context of both long-standing Chinese trends and
unprecedented global changes. This book offers a nuanced and realistic guide for senior policy
makers business leaders academic researchers and global citizens who seek to decipher the
enigma of China's ascent and channel its trajectory towards a more positive and responsible
direction.