Book excerpt: China has emerged on the world scene as a major economic and political force that appears destined to surpass the United States-a portent of the future that goes well beyond anything the U.S. has faced before. The business practices of today's China are a mixture of traditional values and customs combined with Western concepts and practices that, despite bumps in the highway, are propelling the country forward at warp speed. This book addresses both the traditional and modern-day aspects of how business is done in China, and offers valuable insights in how to deal with them effectively. It also covers aspects of China's appearance on the international scene and the globalization of its economy that are political in nature. It is an ideal handbook for businesspeople, consultants, educators, and students.