The New Chinese Empire: And What It Means for the U.S.

Author Ross Terrill discussed his book The New Chinese Empire: And What It Means for the United States, published by Basic Books. According to Mr. Terrill, since the demise of three millennia of Confucian monarchies in 1911, China has been unable to establish a successful political system. He further asserts that the current central authority has failed to keep pace with advances in Chinese society since the death of Communist leader Mao Zedong in 1976. Mr. Terrill feels that “Communist repression” limits Chinese economic potential and will eventually lead to a backlash against the state. Also problematic for Mr. Terrill is China’s continued territorial control over the regions of Tibet, Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia. He concludes that China continues to be a threat to America, largely because it aspires to displace the United States as the chief economic force in Asia. Following his presentation, Mr. Terrill answered questions from members of the audience. close