The New Chinese: How They Are Shaping Australia

by Barry Li

Bridge the gap between the china you know and the real china of todayIn the last 30 years, China has transformed itself into one of the world's leaders in political, economic and social relations. With Australia a hotspot for Chinese immi-grants, understanding the cultural nuances, both from an Australian and a Chinese perspective, is now more important than ever. Your next hire or business deal could depend on it.Australia is a young country built on immigration and cultural assimilation, and whether they are new immigrants or Australian born, in the workforce or the property market, or in the suburbs or the city, the 'new Chinese' are now an integral part of this culture. Told through the personal story of author Barry Li, The New Chinese how to navigate cultural differences between Australia and China what four generations of Chinese are present in Australia why political sensitivities should be observed by those doing business with China how Chinese consumers and investors spend their wealth what challenges are in store for China's future. The New Chinese is your essential guide to the history, culture, and mindset of Chinese migrants in Australia, and of the new China.

176 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 12, 2017

Reviews

[Jeremy Wong · Rating 4 out of 5]

I stumbled upon this book by accident at my local library, and am glad I bothered to borrow and read it. As a "New Chinese" himself, the author, Barry Li, is well-placed to comment on the role that the "New Chinese" (as opposed to ABCs like myself) are playing in shaping modern Australian society. You can read more about him at this link (https://www.afr.com/lifestyle/arts-an...) and this website serves as a great supplement to the book (https://thenewchinese.com/). The narrative of the book is written in a highly engaging manner because the author inserts much of his personal experience, as well as recording the experiences of fellow "New Chinese", yet also does its best to remain balanced and objective in revealing how recent historical, cultural and economic factors have shaped developments in China and the subsequent impact upon Australia. Although the narrative regarding New Chinese in Australia focuses on Sydney, where the author lives, I can see many of the same things in my hometown, Melbourne. I definitely recommend this book to any Australian who wants a clear insight and better understanding of the mentality behind why the Chinese behave and act as they do, especially in our property market.

[June · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is only 150 pages long but it provides a good insight into the history and culture of the Chinese who have migrated to Australia.

I particularly enjoyed reading Li's descriptions of what different generations of Chinese have been through and how this has shaped them and influenced their outlook on life and the way they behave. He describes four generations. Firstly he describes what he calls the 80-HOU, which is people born between 1980 and 1989 and the equivalent of the first half of Generation Y in the western world. This is the generation Li himself is part of. Then there is the 90-HOU, Chinese Generation X and the Chinese Baby Boomers.

Li is very honest and describes what it has been like for him living in Australia, firstly as a student and then as a married man with a young family. He also describes his fears and worries for the future.

[Daniel Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Barry Li draws on his experiences as a Chinese migrant to Australia to illustrate the differences between the two cultures. His goal is to foster understanding and appreciation for the synergy that can happen as those differences are celebrated.

[Autumn Yang · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an ABC, this book really helped me understand the mindset of my parents. I have always felt that there was a culture rift between my western system of thought and their chinese one, and this book articulates and gives insight into their demographic very well.

[Bernard Campbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good insight into Chinese immigration and the new China and how those Chinese are adapting to Australia.
Recommended Reading for anyone interested in the rise of Chinese Australians.

[Nicole]

Very insightful! I participated in a workshop with the author and at the end of the week he provided all attendees with his novel! Thanks Barry - very interesting!

[Jing]

Barry gives a very interesting account on mainland Chinese migrants from China after the economy reform openness policy.