NO LIMITS by Andrew Small, a well-connected and experienced policy analyst, offers rather dire warnings while describing "The Inside Story of China's War with the West." For example, Small points to Huawei and its attempts to exert control through establishing 5G infrastructure as activity leading to Western resistance which, in turn, prompted China to retaliate, further strengthening its reputation as a bully. It is interesting to speculate on future directions for relationships as each side undoubtedly perceives a shift from being world trade partners to a greater rivalry and perhaps outright threat, economically, technologically, and militarily. Small is not hesitant in his characterization of players involved, saying, "The polished, pragmatic heirs of Zhou Enlai have made way for diplomatic thugs." He looks at the West's rather delayed reaction to China's Belt and Road Initiative and devotes an entire chapter to COVID 19 and "the politics of the pandemic," again questioning China's motives and highlighting a lack of cooperation and openness. Throughout, Small mourns the loss of voice and intellectual freedom in China, making a compelling argument that "the era of closer business and political ties between China and the West is over." He advocates for more immediate, dramatic focus: "the risk is that the joint response to China falls far short, hobbled not by the full frontal opposition of years past but by inertia, inattention, a desire for the path of least resistance." Be prepared for some denser text interspersed with fascinating insider personal stories, including those involving Small's friend, Desmond Shum, author of Red Roulette (named a 2021 best book of the year by The Economist and Financial Times). NO LIMITS has an eye-catching cover and is certainly worth a deeper look, especially since it will remind readers of the need for updated perspective and of how little most of us really know about Chinese history, its leaders, and their intentions.

Excellent book that reads like it should be turned into a spy thriller one day. Fascinating analysis, especially the importance of the Party in Chinese politics. So glad to have these newer voices looking at China, so many of the old “China Hands” are outdated, or don’t have the language and sources that this author. Timely book and I am excited to read more!

No Limits; Inside China’s War with the West by Andrew Small This is an excellent book, well researched by Mr. Small who despite his age is very experienced in the relationships of China with countries of the world. This book describes how the China of the early part of this century was still maintaining a humble position in the world that changed probably around 2010. This is especially true with the emergence of Xi Jinping and his policies of strength through the party control of all including the military. As Mr. Small reports, at first China was succeeding mainly due to their financial strength and attacking countries individually. However, one factor that changed this was Huawei and 5G. Led by the US, the EU as countries finally decided the risk was too high to let this company or perhaps China’s military get so far into each country’s economy. What added to this push back was China’s completely mishandling the COVID crisis in its lack of clarity with the world. Lastly, China’s misunderstanding of Russia’s military vs. Ukraine has put China in a very weak position in the world’s opinion and trust. Mr. Small expertly guides the reader through the development of China as well as its bind spots and just as importantly the unification of the EU against a common competitor. Without getting too political the demise of Trump has also been a benefit to the world against China at least for a few years. Will China now become a model citizen in the world Mr. Small I would suggest believes no and I am in agreement with him. What is most important to me about this book is Mr. Small’s expertise and a lack of any political bias in describing China’s rise and the push back by the West and Asia. Well worth the read.

If you are interested in China's growing antagonism toward Taiwan, Japan, India, Australia, and the US since Xi Jinping rose to power, you MUST read this book. It is an excellent history of China's skyrocketing rise to power over the past several decades. Read it and learn the facts and the details of the CCP's strong move into second place in the world.