The third edition of Understanding Contemporary China retains all the useful features of the previous editions, but has been thoroughly updated to reflect such current issues and challenges as China's dynamic economic growth; its changing social and political culture; its growing international presence as a mediator, investor, and disburser of foreign aid; recent developments in the standoff with Taiwan; and the ever growing impact of environmental degradation.Assuming no prior knowledge on the part of the reader, the book was designed as a core text for Introduction to China courses and can also be used effectively in a variety of discipline-oriented curriculums (especially political science and sociology). Numerous maps and photographs enhance the text.