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The China Dream: Great Power Thinking and Strategic Posture in the Post-American Era
China Dream: Great Power Thinking and Strategic Power Posture in the Post-American Era examines the inherent conflict in U.S. China relations and the coming "duel of the century" for economic, military, and cultural dominance in the world. Written by a veteran Chinese military specialist, and scholar, it defines a national "grand goal" to restore China to its historical glory, and take the Unites States' place as world leader. This is the definitive book for geopolitical understanding of what constitutes the "hawk" version of China's national destiny debate and is critical for understanding China's strategic goals in the 21st Century.
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First published January 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 23, 2020
At first it's a little bit delusional in my sense. but I just read it in 2020, and the world is getting closer to what the book says
July 9, 2017
Book Review – “The China Dream”
By Colonel Liu Mingfu
CN Times Books, 2015
The books’ Sub-Title sets the context for this review, “Great Power Thinking and Strategic Posture in the Post-American Era.”
This “slick” but very well written book documents China’s Grand Strategy – to become the world’s strongest nation in the 21st century. In becoming the world’s strongest nation China will be to overthrow the existing American “hegemon” – and replace it with (peace-loving?) Chinese influence.
China feels it has been “put upon – exploited” by Western nations for ~100 years (Opium Wars through World War II). China’s goal is to return itself to the dominant national position in the world – consistent with how it views its past.
In this context, China, improving its Military (first aircraft carrier operational; second being built); militarizing islands in the South China Sea – and the constructing Economic Plans – are all to be understood as part of one Grand Strategy and Operational Plan.
Where is a similar U.S. Grand Strategy concerning how the U.S. should deal with a rising China? Where and how should the U.S. cooperate with China? where and how should the U.S. confront China?
This is an important book with a clear (if at times racist) message – the Chinese Grand Strategy documented within it should be taken very seriously by the American population and its Government.
China’s Grand Strategy includes world influence – domination. China is placing military and economic resources in place to achieve these goals. China is a big strategic challenge to the U.S. The U.S. could fall into the Thucydides’ Trap – War with China. The context for this is the quote: …”it was the rise of Athens and the fear that this installed in Sparta, that made war inevitable…”
The current situation in the U.S. is reminiscent of the 1930’s – U.S. Government policies favoring isolationism – and in the 1940’s “America First”. The then U.S. Government seemed to not fully appreciate the threats of the rise of the distant Axis powers.
The American public dismisses the described strategic challenge offered by China to the U.S. at its own very great peril.
Carl Gallozzi
cgallozzi@comcast.net
Sources:
N.Y. Times Book Review “Chinese Colonel’s Hard Line Views Sweep
Into the Mainstream” by Edward Wong
10/02/2015
Washington Times
Book Review “ China’s Dream is America’s Nightmare”
Steven Mosher 06/28/2015
By Colonel Liu Mingfu
CN Times Books, 2015
The books’ Sub-Title sets the context for this review, “Great Power Thinking and Strategic Posture in the Post-American Era.”
This “slick” but very well written book documents China’s Grand Strategy – to become the world’s strongest nation in the 21st century. In becoming the world’s strongest nation China will be to overthrow the existing American “hegemon” – and replace it with (peace-loving?) Chinese influence.
China feels it has been “put upon – exploited” by Western nations for ~100 years (Opium Wars through World War II). China’s goal is to return itself to the dominant national position in the world – consistent with how it views its past.
In this context, China, improving its Military (first aircraft carrier operational; second being built); militarizing islands in the South China Sea – and the constructing Economic Plans – are all to be understood as part of one Grand Strategy and Operational Plan.
Where is a similar U.S. Grand Strategy concerning how the U.S. should deal with a rising China? Where and how should the U.S. cooperate with China? where and how should the U.S. confront China?
This is an important book with a clear (if at times racist) message – the Chinese Grand Strategy documented within it should be taken very seriously by the American population and its Government.
China’s Grand Strategy includes world influence – domination. China is placing military and economic resources in place to achieve these goals. China is a big strategic challenge to the U.S. The U.S. could fall into the Thucydides’ Trap – War with China. The context for this is the quote: …”it was the rise of Athens and the fear that this installed in Sparta, that made war inevitable…”
The current situation in the U.S. is reminiscent of the 1930’s – U.S. Government policies favoring isolationism – and in the 1940’s “America First”. The then U.S. Government seemed to not fully appreciate the threats of the rise of the distant Axis powers.
The American public dismisses the described strategic challenge offered by China to the U.S. at its own very great peril.
Carl Gallozzi
cgallozzi@comcast.net
Sources:
N.Y. Times Book Review “Chinese Colonel’s Hard Line Views Sweep
Into the Mainstream” by Edward Wong
10/02/2015
Washington Times
Book Review “ China’s Dream is America’s Nightmare”
Steven Mosher 06/28/2015
November 12, 2017
Liu Mingfu’s The China Dream does share some exciting ideas such as the role of China should play as a new type of world leader, one that is no longer concerned with hegemonic power. Liu Mingfu advocates for a new type of world order spearheaded by China and I feel that what he has to say does deserve some attention.
I also liked how the author’s analysis on the power dynamics of the Cold War between the US and the USSR and I was further intrigued by Liu Mingfu’s take on the economic competition between the US and Japan in the 80s and 90s.
Some of the references the author makes to ancient Chinese history and cultural values, to make his point, are some of the more engaging parts of this book. I love how the author incorporate historical lessons from the past in this book for example with the Song dynasty and the Opium War, however these merely serve as lessons from China’s past and the author does not say explain how they contribute to modern day China.
Although the themes presented in this book does provide some insight into certain attitudes and virtues present in Chinese society, it is hard to see just how widespread some of the ideas are in China.
In a book about China’s growing role in international politics in the 21st century, there is hardly any comment on current Chinese policies in international relations. There is also very little analysis on the current political or social situation in China. I would like liked to have read about the author’s take on contemporary Chinese policy towards America or its regional and global competitors. I feel that it is a lost opportunity that the author could have highlighted in order to give readers a better understanding of where China stands today in the international stage.
The book also suffers from inconsistency when discussing several of its main points. Not all points are elaborated well. Some statements are backed up with impressive examples and statistics while many other do not. Besides this, it is also hard to assess the validity of some of the author’s assertions as several claims are poorly cited.
I also liked how the author’s analysis on the power dynamics of the Cold War between the US and the USSR and I was further intrigued by Liu Mingfu’s take on the economic competition between the US and Japan in the 80s and 90s.
Some of the references the author makes to ancient Chinese history and cultural values, to make his point, are some of the more engaging parts of this book. I love how the author incorporate historical lessons from the past in this book for example with the Song dynasty and the Opium War, however these merely serve as lessons from China’s past and the author does not say explain how they contribute to modern day China.
Although the themes presented in this book does provide some insight into certain attitudes and virtues present in Chinese society, it is hard to see just how widespread some of the ideas are in China.
In a book about China’s growing role in international politics in the 21st century, there is hardly any comment on current Chinese policies in international relations. There is also very little analysis on the current political or social situation in China. I would like liked to have read about the author’s take on contemporary Chinese policy towards America or its regional and global competitors. I feel that it is a lost opportunity that the author could have highlighted in order to give readers a better understanding of where China stands today in the international stage.
The book also suffers from inconsistency when discussing several of its main points. Not all points are elaborated well. Some statements are backed up with impressive examples and statistics while many other do not. Besides this, it is also hard to assess the validity of some of the author’s assertions as several claims are poorly cited.
November 21, 2019
If you’ve ever wondered how Chinese elites see themselves:
I gave this 3 stars because frankly it was fascinating to see how these folks see the world and themselves, otherwise this book is a blundering cherry picked delusion.
I gave this 3 stars because frankly it was fascinating to see how these folks see the world and themselves, otherwise this book is a blundering cherry picked delusion.
January 14, 2021
The China Dream es un libro muy interesante, representa la visión de un destacado militar del Ejército Chino y que por lo tanto debe representar la visión de un segmento del Estado. En el libro se discute en general las causas del auge Chino y los peligros que podrían llevar a su declive.
Es un libro que argumenta que China llegará en algún momento en este siglo a la cumbre del liderazgo mundial y que el mundo no debería sentirse amenazado por ello, ya que a diferencia de USA, no buscan la hegemonía. En ese sentido uno podría entender algo más parecido a la relación de patronage tradicional en los miles de año de historia china.
El libro es interesante porque hace un buen contraste entre las distintas formas y sus cosas en común, entre el auge de distintas potencias durante los últimos cinco siglos. Entre las amenazas que identifica son las trampas de otras potencias, por ejemplo para ellos es una trampa que USA les pida ser una democracia de corte occidental, el autor ve en esto una trampa como la de Bismarck con Francia después de la guerra Franco-Prusiana, como una forma de introducir inestabilidad en su sistema político. Otra amenaza que identifica el autor es la creciente desigualdad en la sociedad y la corrupción dentro del CCP.
Es un libro que trata de contratar las diferencias culturales China y como son una fuente de poder para ellos y su socialismo con características chinas como una síntesis de la doctrina Socialista a la Marx, con los elementos de valor (de acuerdo a ellos) de las economías de mercado y su cultura clásica.
Una lectura muy recomendable para estos tiempos en los que las tensiones geopolíticas entre China y USA se encuentran en ascenso. No le doy 5 estrellas porque la traducción al ingles no parece ser la mejor, en algunos momentos la lectura parece repetitiva, algo que quizá no ocurra en la versión en idioma original.
Es un libro que argumenta que China llegará en algún momento en este siglo a la cumbre del liderazgo mundial y que el mundo no debería sentirse amenazado por ello, ya que a diferencia de USA, no buscan la hegemonía. En ese sentido uno podría entender algo más parecido a la relación de patronage tradicional en los miles de año de historia china.
El libro es interesante porque hace un buen contraste entre las distintas formas y sus cosas en común, entre el auge de distintas potencias durante los últimos cinco siglos. Entre las amenazas que identifica son las trampas de otras potencias, por ejemplo para ellos es una trampa que USA les pida ser una democracia de corte occidental, el autor ve en esto una trampa como la de Bismarck con Francia después de la guerra Franco-Prusiana, como una forma de introducir inestabilidad en su sistema político. Otra amenaza que identifica el autor es la creciente desigualdad en la sociedad y la corrupción dentro del CCP.
Es un libro que trata de contratar las diferencias culturales China y como son una fuente de poder para ellos y su socialismo con características chinas como una síntesis de la doctrina Socialista a la Marx, con los elementos de valor (de acuerdo a ellos) de las economías de mercado y su cultura clásica.
Una lectura muy recomendable para estos tiempos en los que las tensiones geopolíticas entre China y USA se encuentran en ascenso. No le doy 5 estrellas porque la traducción al ingles no parece ser la mejor, en algunos momentos la lectura parece repetitiva, algo que quizá no ocurra en la versión en idioma original.
October 17, 2025
A Poorly Written Blueprint for a Terrifying Future
This book is, on the surface, a literary failure. It's poorly written, extremely repetitive, and operates as a classic piece of state propaganda. But if you read it with a critical mindset, its value is not in the arguments it makes, but in the hostile worldview it reveals. It's a book you read not for answers, but to understand the terrifying nature of the questions your opponent is asking.
Beneath the rhetoric about "win-win" cooperation and peace lies a clear and chilling objective. The author's constant, dismissive references to the United States as a "so-called free society" shows the book's true purpose. This is not a call to abolish the global hierarchy; it's an attempt to become one. The goal is not to end the game of masters and slaves, but simply to become the new master. It’s a vision for replacing the current world order, not creating a more equitable one.
The real threat this book represents, which is far more subtle and dangerous than a traditional military conflict. We, in the West, are the frog in the slowly boiling water. The danger isn't an invasion with tanks, but a gradual erosion of our sovereignty and values through economic dependency. We enjoy the cheap goods, the new phones, and the convenient technology, not noticing that the water is getting hotter as our political and corporate leaders self-censor to avoid offending the supplier. Plus with an access to the biggest social network algorithms, we might not notice how our discussions are drifted
The great hope, of course, is that the Chinese system is a "colossus on clay legs," just as the Soviet Union was. We trust that our chaotic, messy, and argumentative societies are a feature, not a bug a source of resilience and adaptation that a rigid, top-down system can never match. But we must confront the uncomfortable reality that China is not the USSR. It is deeply integrated into the global economy, it wields technology for internal control with terrifying efficiency, and its power is focused with a potent nationalism that Soviet ideology never achieved. Relying on its collapse is not the best strategy, but a desperate gamble.
This book, for all its flaws, forces you to confront the central conflict of the 21st century. It leaves you with a few stark, unsettling questions that everyone in a liberal democracy should be asking:
Is the promise of "mutual prosperity" a genuine vision for the future, or is it a tranquilizer designed to keep us passive until the global balance of power has irreversibly shifted?
Is the West's internal chaos and political division a fatal weakness on the verge of Weimar-like collapse, or is it the messy, painful process of adaptation that will ultimately allow us to prevail?
And finally, are we willing to pay the price—in economic comfort and political unity—to defend our values? Or are we the frog, content in the warming water, moments away from being boiled?
This book is, on the surface, a literary failure. It's poorly written, extremely repetitive, and operates as a classic piece of state propaganda. But if you read it with a critical mindset, its value is not in the arguments it makes, but in the hostile worldview it reveals. It's a book you read not for answers, but to understand the terrifying nature of the questions your opponent is asking.
Beneath the rhetoric about "win-win" cooperation and peace lies a clear and chilling objective. The author's constant, dismissive references to the United States as a "so-called free society" shows the book's true purpose. This is not a call to abolish the global hierarchy; it's an attempt to become one. The goal is not to end the game of masters and slaves, but simply to become the new master. It’s a vision for replacing the current world order, not creating a more equitable one.
The real threat this book represents, which is far more subtle and dangerous than a traditional military conflict. We, in the West, are the frog in the slowly boiling water. The danger isn't an invasion with tanks, but a gradual erosion of our sovereignty and values through economic dependency. We enjoy the cheap goods, the new phones, and the convenient technology, not noticing that the water is getting hotter as our political and corporate leaders self-censor to avoid offending the supplier. Plus with an access to the biggest social network algorithms, we might not notice how our discussions are drifted
The great hope, of course, is that the Chinese system is a "colossus on clay legs," just as the Soviet Union was. We trust that our chaotic, messy, and argumentative societies are a feature, not a bug a source of resilience and adaptation that a rigid, top-down system can never match. But we must confront the uncomfortable reality that China is not the USSR. It is deeply integrated into the global economy, it wields technology for internal control with terrifying efficiency, and its power is focused with a potent nationalism that Soviet ideology never achieved. Relying on its collapse is not the best strategy, but a desperate gamble.
This book, for all its flaws, forces you to confront the central conflict of the 21st century. It leaves you with a few stark, unsettling questions that everyone in a liberal democracy should be asking:
Is the promise of "mutual prosperity" a genuine vision for the future, or is it a tranquilizer designed to keep us passive until the global balance of power has irreversibly shifted?
Is the West's internal chaos and political division a fatal weakness on the verge of Weimar-like collapse, or is it the messy, painful process of adaptation that will ultimately allow us to prevail?
And finally, are we willing to pay the price—in economic comfort and political unity—to defend our values? Or are we the frog, content in the warming water, moments away from being boiled?
December 9, 2020
A view from an influential Chinese scholar | professor | senior military official and acclaimed strategy advisor to the Chinese ruling elite...
Were these observations and assertions not coming from Liu Mingfu, a senior Chinese military official | scholar | professor and strategy advisor to the ruling Chinese elite; one might be tempted to dismiss this as another one of those routine-rants from a populist communist ideologue | resentful-nostalgic nationalist | a burgoisie apparatchik of the Middle Kingdom, whose existence | livelihood is built on doubting and discredting West’s bonafide on Faith | Freedom | Democracy
It is another thing that, the present day Oracle of History | Politics | Foriegn Policy and international strategies chessplayer Kissinger was routed hands down by Weiqi playing China; Weiqi One va. Chess Zero
Kissinger | West plays for short term, at best a generation; where, China and Chinese play for generations, patiently bidding for time and space | place (Shi), dealing with wins | losses | retreats | accommodations dispassionately as mere lampposts in a continuum of relentless struggle for their place under “Mandate of the Sun”
China can’t | will not be stopped; for, the perception of acceptable-cost between Right and Wrong can’t be bridged between the Western and Chinese philosophy | way | civilizations; just as two banks of a river can only be subsumed by the winning Ocean
I have been Satya Chari
Were these observations and assertions not coming from Liu Mingfu, a senior Chinese military official | scholar | professor and strategy advisor to the ruling Chinese elite; one might be tempted to dismiss this as another one of those routine-rants from a populist communist ideologue | resentful-nostalgic nationalist | a burgoisie apparatchik of the Middle Kingdom, whose existence | livelihood is built on doubting and discredting West’s bonafide on Faith | Freedom | Democracy
It is another thing that, the present day Oracle of History | Politics | Foriegn Policy and international strategies chessplayer Kissinger was routed hands down by Weiqi playing China; Weiqi One va. Chess Zero
Kissinger | West plays for short term, at best a generation; where, China and Chinese play for generations, patiently bidding for time and space | place (Shi), dealing with wins | losses | retreats | accommodations dispassionately as mere lampposts in a continuum of relentless struggle for their place under “Mandate of the Sun”
China can’t | will not be stopped; for, the perception of acceptable-cost between Right and Wrong can’t be bridged between the Western and Chinese philosophy | way | civilizations; just as two banks of a river can only be subsumed by the winning Ocean
I have been Satya Chari
October 4, 2017
The book offers a glimpse into the historic thinking in China about its place in the world, the approaches of the CPC, and a broad historic narrative of what it means to be a great power and the kinds of great powers that the world has witnessed. It unambiguously argues that such great power status is China's destiny. The roadmap to getting there according to the author is essentially economic and military advancements, while assuming greater leadership role globally. While that sounds fine, there are major gaps in the narrative. Firstly, it fails to acknowledge that China's actions lead to counter actions. In that sense, there is a strategic myopia in the analysis. Secondly, the writer introduces potential to domestic pitfalls, but appears to dismiss their seriousness with repeated emphasis on China's destiny. Thirdly, he keeps repeating that China will not be a hegemonic power but will create a new world order; yet he fails to explain what such an order would look like. Finally, in telling us repeatedly about the uniqueness and specialness of the Chinese people, he offers no metrics to unpack these attributes. Other than, of course, the opaque and somewhat racist "excellent gene" theory.
September 21, 2025
Good reference book to trace the history of the Chinese aspiration to become the hottest stuff, ever since the era of Sun Yat-sen (yes, they had such ambitions even when they were ravaged by the Japanese). Although if Westernization was that easy, you have to wonder how come it has to take about a century for them to be able to compete against Japan let alone the U.S.
In some ways this book reads like one of those Maoist books: a lot of loud talks of what they must do - as if the solutions were already laid out ahead for them and all they have to do is to muster all the ganbatte spirit. The lack of questions you see the paragraphs make references to is also concerning. It sounds way too easy if all you have to do is to learn from those who are superior to you - as if that's the only issue.
Although I have yet to finish this book. Shall update this review some time maybe, if I managed to glean anything further.
In some ways this book reads like one of those Maoist books: a lot of loud talks of what they must do - as if the solutions were already laid out ahead for them and all they have to do is to muster all the ganbatte spirit. The lack of questions you see the paragraphs make references to is also concerning. It sounds way too easy if all you have to do is to learn from those who are superior to you - as if that's the only issue.
Although I have yet to finish this book. Shall update this review some time maybe, if I managed to glean anything further.
August 14, 2022
Did not read in full length, as it's extremely repetitive and very badly written. I am still looking for a good Chinese book go understand how they think about themselves and the world.
The core are a set of a mixed messages, about how China will claim and fulfill it's dominant role in the coming century. Partly it's a zero sum game (China win, US lose), and partly elaboration how China will be a better leader of the world. It has a lot of insightful historic references, especially to the post imperial period.
As a side note: I was surprised that such open criticism of Mao is possible from such a high ranking party member.
The core are a set of a mixed messages, about how China will claim and fulfill it's dominant role in the coming century. Partly it's a zero sum game (China win, US lose), and partly elaboration how China will be a better leader of the world. It has a lot of insightful historic references, especially to the post imperial period.
As a side note: I was surprised that such open criticism of Mao is possible from such a high ranking party member.
November 5, 2020
Really fascinating, though a bit transparent as propaganda. It sets out what the author sees as an inevitable path for China growing into the world leader, militarily, culturally, as well as economically. While China will no doubt become the largest economy at some time, this book does gloss over human rights problems and relations with China's neighbors while criticizing the hegemony or colonialism of past world leading countries. A worthwhile read to better understand how some Chinese officials view China's place in the world.
June 29, 2022
An interesting read, this translation of Liu Mingfu's book "The China Dream" gives English readers a rare look into the thinking of top level Chinese officials. The book, however, is filled with baseless claims and sinocentrisim; such as when the author asserts, dozens of times, that China has never invaded or conquered another country in its entire history. At least within the final few chapters the author is honest about the challenges China faces as it rises on the international stage.
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April 6, 2021Deadliest regime in all history and reviewers here are delighted for their future domination. It's easy for me to see how they've have accomplished their dream pre America since the last 30+ years.
China owns us and are our Masters even now.
Bidens, Obamas, NCAA, MLB, Nascar, MSM, BLM, Antifa, Social Media all are whores of the CCP...
China owns us and are our Masters even now.
Bidens, Obamas, NCAA, MLB, Nascar, MSM, BLM, Antifa, Social Media all are whores of the CCP...
May 3, 2021
Propaganda on thin air designed to make you believe USA has declined and China will be a benevolent power. Would no argue the first part but on different basis and could not swallow the second part.
July 2, 2015
A manifesto essentially describing at least one retired PLA Officer's vision of the PRC version of "Manifest Destiny" and march toward global leadership. Replete with expressions of Chinese Exceptionalism, riddled with bias and an Orwellian regard for history, there are some observations and criticisms of Western capitalism buried in this work worthy of consideration. If you are interested in current Chinese political and strategic thinking it's worth powering through the anti-western polemics, but be prepared, it can be like reading old issues of Pravda.
December 10, 2022
Platon's cave at its finest
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews