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Dragon Strike
When China, desperate for resources, seizes the South China Sea, the United States and Britain intervene, leading to a battle that could be the first conflict in World War Three.
448 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1997
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
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December 11, 2016This book is EPISODE ONE of the ISSUE.
Pilger's documentary "The Coming War on China" is EPISODE TWO.
“So let there be no doubt: In the Asia Pacific in the 21st century, the United States of America is all in.” Obama, 2011, in Australia
"Trump Says China Will Have to Play by Rules Under New Ambassador"
http://thecomingwarmovie.com/
Pilger's documentary "The Coming War on China" is EPISODE TWO.
“So let there be no doubt: In the Asia Pacific in the 21st century, the United States of America is all in.” Obama, 2011, in Australia
"Trump Says China Will Have to Play by Rules Under New Ambassador"
http://thecomingwarmovie.com/
April 14, 2021
The premise of this book is an expansionist China attacks Vietnam in order to secure dominance over the South China Sea, and given current geopolitical situation in the area, this is still somewhat relevant. However, the book is set in the early 21st century (written in the late 1990s), and attempts to predict how such a conflict might have evolved at that time. Given the time of writing, there was perhaps a desire to cause a stir with such an alarmist prediction in terms of the excessively aggressive Chinese premier, and it seems unlikely (well, one hopes it is unlikely) that a nuclear power would act in quite such a rash manner. To me this leads to some of the bigger issues with the book, which I'll cover later.
The writing style is OK, although sometimes a little dry such as during sections where there are long lists of the ship classes & names that make up a task force. The action sequences are better, as are the political sections at least in terms of writing, but it is the politics where the book struggles for me. Whilst accepting that the premise is based on a much more aggressive Chinese military policy (no attack on Vietnam -> no crisis for the book to develop), some of it is just too excessive.
Whilst the Chinese manipulation/bullying of other SE Asia countires is certainly plausible - in fact it rings true today as some countries have become more accomodating of Chinese claims with respect to the South China Sea. I want to be careful about spoilers, so I will be intentionally vague, but some of China's actions both physical and politically stretch credulity. Similarly, the reactions of Western governments (esp. the US after one incident) do not ring true - that said, the reaction to Russia's invasion of Ukraine is perhaps an indicator of how they might react.
Finally the ending borders on the farcical. Again, I want to avoid spoilers, so I'll leave it at that. It also seems really rushed - the book winds it's way through for a few hundred pages, then there is a quick political "meeting" & decision, a pause and five pages of 'conclusion'. Surprised actually that the last chapter was not a book two in a series.
I have given 3 stars, although I was tempted by 2, but I didn't like it would be too harsh. I'd probably have given 3 out of 6 as well, so maybe 2.5 would be better. I might try one more from the author, if it is on offer.
The writing style is OK, although sometimes a little dry such as during sections where there are long lists of the ship classes & names that make up a task force. The action sequences are better, as are the political sections at least in terms of writing, but it is the politics where the book struggles for me. Whilst accepting that the premise is based on a much more aggressive Chinese military policy (no attack on Vietnam -> no crisis for the book to develop), some of it is just too excessive.
Whilst the Chinese manipulation/bullying of other SE Asia countires is certainly plausible - in fact it rings true today as some countries have become more accomodating of Chinese claims with respect to the South China Sea. I want to be careful about spoilers, so I will be intentionally vague, but some of China's actions both physical and politically stretch credulity. Similarly, the reactions of Western governments (esp. the US after one incident) do not ring true - that said, the reaction to Russia's invasion of Ukraine is perhaps an indicator of how they might react.
Finally the ending borders on the farcical. Again, I want to avoid spoilers, so I'll leave it at that. It also seems really rushed - the book winds it's way through for a few hundred pages, then there is a quick political "meeting" & decision, a pause and five pages of 'conclusion'. Surprised actually that the last chapter was not a book two in a series.
I have given 3 stars, although I was tempted by 2, but I didn't like it would be too harsh. I'd probably have given 3 out of 6 as well, so maybe 2.5 would be better. I might try one more from the author, if it is on offer.
August 25, 2008
An interesting look at how we might fall into the next world war with China. a Clancyish book without the interesting characters, more or less just a guidebook on how a potential global conflict with China might erupt.
May 26, 2018
Boringly pathetic
I have read more interestingly and better written school textbooks. Skipping sometimes as many as six to eight pages at a time I only carried on until the end to see what the ‘punchline’ would be and in the context of the rest of the book I wasn’t disappointed.
I have read more interestingly and better written school textbooks. Skipping sometimes as many as six to eight pages at a time I only carried on until the end to see what the ‘punchline’ would be and in the context of the rest of the book I wasn’t disappointed.
March 5, 2019
Terrible proof reading!
August 22, 2025
Written by two male journalists, this is a detailed look at how a war might have developed soon after 1997. We know it didn't, and the book now feels dated in many aspects. A large part of the action concerns Chinese strikes on Vietnam. The American President is told that he can take over the sea off China, but not hold it forever, similarly the Chinese can't do that either, the sea being so vast. Missiles and dodging or countering missiles are the presumed way to go, that and sporadic air strikes. The authors give specific details about various arms.
A Shell oil tanker is hijacked and Japan has to get concerned about its stocks of imported oil. Taiwan is feeling the pressure of its big neighbour. Russia, France and Britain all have to have a say. (Mostly on the lines of 'steady on, old chap.') North Korea has starving cold peasants yet extensive underground defences and forward attack posts. The term 'frogmen' is still used, most divers will tell you they prefer 'SCUBA divers'. We don't see much about cyber hacking attacks which would today be at the forefront of a war.
Interesting and would be enjoyed as a case study by diplomats and soldiers, but a newer version would feel a bit different. I have taken off a star because I don't see any named women characters.
A Shell oil tanker is hijacked and Japan has to get concerned about its stocks of imported oil. Taiwan is feeling the pressure of its big neighbour. Russia, France and Britain all have to have a say. (Mostly on the lines of 'steady on, old chap.') North Korea has starving cold peasants yet extensive underground defences and forward attack posts. The term 'frogmen' is still used, most divers will tell you they prefer 'SCUBA divers'. We don't see much about cyber hacking attacks which would today be at the forefront of a war.
Interesting and would be enjoyed as a case study by diplomats and soldiers, but a newer version would feel a bit different. I have taken off a star because I don't see any named women characters.
May 16, 2015
The first half or so of this novel is a riveting geopolitcal/military read but without character development and the like. For this reason, I gave my rating of it the extra star. But the ending! After limping towards a boring and unsatisfactory conclusion, the book simply stops -- as if he were bored with the project or had something else to do. Hawksley gives a two-page chapter called "Aftermath". In it, he describes the nations, peole, and movements with a sentence or so of what happened to them, sort of like the ending to Animal House. In Dragon Strike, Hawksley shows that he can describe a rather fantastic but at least marginally logical scenario, showing imagination on his part. But then he commits the literary sin of finishing his novel wthout a conclusion and in an uninteresting and boring manner.
I am undecided as to whether or not I shall read another of his novels. A clever and imaginative page-turner, I appreciated the first half of this novel. And this was his first novel (published, at least). Perhaps he improved as he wrote. I suppose I should go and find out. But not soon. First I'll have to wait for the bad taste of this lack of conclusion to abate.
I am undecided as to whether or not I shall read another of his novels. A clever and imaginative page-turner, I appreciated the first half of this novel. And this was his first novel (published, at least). Perhaps he improved as he wrote. I suppose I should go and find out. But not soon. First I'll have to wait for the bad taste of this lack of conclusion to abate.
November 7, 2014
If you are looking for a good example of a possible geopolitical struggle,look no further. Dragonstrike presents a case study of China's imminent political dominance over her neighboring countries. (refer to China's claim over the South China Sea. Hint: it's about the oil) Personally, I believe this book managed to hook me on by not just pouring cold, hard facts into the pages but by also by providing a human side to the various politicians/head of states involved in this fictional struggle.
One of the most memorable diplomatic "talk down' was the one between the US ambassador and the Russian Foreign Minister. The past actions of United States are laid out for all to see through the lengthy rebuttal of the Russian Foreign Minister. The minister went on to say that US should not be alarmed that central Asian countries were supporting China since they had received economic support from China after the fall of the Soviet Union. Whereas, the US had only pledged support to the Eastern European countries.
TL;DR A fairly entertaining book!
One of the most memorable diplomatic "talk down' was the one between the US ambassador and the Russian Foreign Minister. The past actions of United States are laid out for all to see through the lengthy rebuttal of the Russian Foreign Minister. The minister went on to say that US should not be alarmed that central Asian countries were supporting China since they had received economic support from China after the fall of the Soviet Union. Whereas, the US had only pledged support to the Eastern European countries.
TL;DR A fairly entertaining book!
October 14, 2012
If one stumbles upon this book, the subject being a hypothetical confrontation between China and the West/Vietnam/Japan, he should keep in mind that this was published in 1997, so the author is obviously ignorant of the massive events that occur after this books release. Nevertheless, it is a fun read, and Hawksley is overall very knowledgeable about China and Japan and gives us a convincing scenario about how America and China get involved in a war. Don't take this book too seriously, don't expect amazing writing, don't expect compelling characters. Take it for what it is, a military fiction about a war that hopefully never happens.
June 19, 2016
Very interesting book speculating on the rise of China via the Communist Party and their attempt to completely dominate the South East Asian region and renew the glory of the old Chinese dynasties, while not realising they had far exceeded that already a long time ago. The Chinese Government, having got to their high point I am reminded of Winston Churchill dragging the British through WWII successfully against dreadful odds, only to be dumped by the electorate in the first General Elections of 1945.
June 28, 2010
The premise is interesting, a terrorist group is planning to set up a temporary cell in the US and a Sunday school teacher stumbles on their plans and becomes involved in the counter espionage. That's where the plot breaks down. I found it unbelievable that someone without any security clearances or background checks would be allowed insider information with the cavalier "you found it so you're entitled" attitude.
Add to that, the writing is sophomoric, the dialog wooden.
Add to that, the writing is sophomoric, the dialog wooden.
January 8, 2014
I have enjoyed all of Hawskley's books and really found myself immersed in his universe. I found his books to be pleasant quick reads, though I would say that this was the best in the series and most 'relevant'.
A good read especially for any one interested in Alternate history or 'future' fiction.
Just to be read as some fun not to be taken too seriously.
80 %
A good read especially for any one interested in Alternate history or 'future' fiction.
Just to be read as some fun not to be taken too seriously.
80 %
July 27, 2016
China starts a war over the South China Sea. What happens next?
What was interesting for me about this book is how little it has aged in fifteen years. The issues are the same, except China is more powerful now relative to its neighbors and the US.
An engaging read to those interested in current military and foreign affairs.
What was interesting for me about this book is how little it has aged in fifteen years. The issues are the same, except China is more powerful now relative to its neighbors and the US.
An engaging read to those interested in current military and foreign affairs.
March 27, 2011
Great book about China grasping power and becoming a world power. Very interesting and likely scenario the two guys that wrote it lived and worked in China for many years and consulted with experts about how the world would react to China attacking its neighbors.
March 6, 2014
What was a work of fiction is becoming a reality today as China attempts to assert its supremacy in the South China Sea.
This book is a true thriller and keeps the reader excited, while giving insight to war and the dirty politics associated with it.
This book is a true thriller and keeps the reader excited, while giving insight to war and the dirty politics associated with it.
September 8, 2013
It was a fair read, started well, bogged down in discussion/politics/economics but ended well enough. But feels very dated now.
August 15, 2014
Pretty awesome read.. Good time pass :) but after dragon fire and third world war, sounded lil monotonous. Nevertheless, as realistic and thoroughly researched work as any.. Surely recommended!
December 8, 2014
2nd time
This is now the second time I have read this book and still as good. Great future what could be about a war with China
This is now the second time I have read this book and still as good. Great future what could be about a war with China
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews