CHINAMERICA: The Uneasy Partnership that Will Change the World

by Handel Jones

Praise for ChinAmerica “A must-read for anyone seeking to understand the emergence of China as a major industrial power and how profoundly it is changing the world economy.” ―Dr. Henry Kressel, author of Competing for the How Digital Innovations Are Changing the World “This book is essential reading for business leaders and observers everywhere as this dramatic shift of economic and political power from the West to China continues.” ―Ray Bingham, chairman, Flextronics International “ ChinAmerica provides extremely in-depth visibility into the interactions and interdependency of China and the United States. I believe everyone who takes the time to read it will learn of the many challenges and opportunities that exist for both China and the United States.” ―Richard Kulle, president and CEO, gEM Services, Inc. “Handel Jones lays out concisely what China is doing right and the United States is doing wrong. This is a wake-up call because China today is the most serious economic competitor that the United States has ever faced. This book should be required reading for all U.S. politicians and business leaders.” ―Wilfred J. Corrigan, founder, chairman, and CEO (retired), LSI Logic Corp. Conventional wisdom pits China against the United States in a war for economic supremacy. However, in ChinAmerica , Handel Jones, one of the leading experts on China's industrial and economic emergence, demonstrates that the wave of the future is cooperation between the two titans, not conflict-and how America will benefit from increased economic engagement and competition with China. To some, conflict between China and the United States appears to be both imminent and unavoidable (indeed, in some eyes, the battle has already begun). But this perspective badly overlooks one vital both nations have no choice other than to act in their mutual interest. Focusing on several key areas of conflict and mutual interest, Jones gives a thorough and eye-opening portrait of the policies, history, and habits that have led to the intersecting fortunes of the two superpowers. Jones also outlines actions the United States must take to hold on to its leadership role by forging equilibrium with China that's based on mutual respect and dependence. As Jones makes clear, the contrast between the two powers couldn't be more while China is amassing through trade nearly one-fourth of the world's foreign exchange reserves (nearly three-fourths of that amount in USD), the United States excels mostly as a consumer of finished goods, with Americans unconcerned about debt and other consequences of living beyond their means. China subsidizes development of more efficient manufacturing techniques, and in response America threatens protectionist barriers. Developments such as these, however, don't necessarily put the nations on a collision course. To Jones, these facts point to a very real opportunity for Chinese and American governments and businesses to work together rather than be separated by economic tensions. Filled with cogent analysis and expert advice, ChinAmerica is the most comprehensive look yet at the interdependency of the world's two leading powers. This is a book that will change minds about Sino-American relations. Handel Jones is the founder, owner, and CEO of International Business Strategies, Inc., a market and strategy consulting and analysis company whose client list includes IBM, Nokia, Samsung, Sony, Toshiba, TSMC, and China Resources. He has been involved with Chinese governments and state-owned and private businesses for more than 30 years, and he is one of the leading experts in directing international business investment in China and Chinese corporate investment/expansion overseas. He lives in Los Gatos, California. “Handel Jones lays out concisely what China is doing right and the United States is doing wrong. This is a wake-up call because China today is the most serious economic competitor that the United States has ever faced. This book should be required reading for all U.S. politicians and business leaders.” ―Wilfred J. Corrigan, founder, chairman, and CEO (retired), LSI Logic Corp.

304 pages, Hardcover

First published June 9, 2010

About the author

Handel Jones is a leading expert on China's industrial and economic emergence. "Chinamerica" analyzes the activities of China in building its industrial base, but also its dependence on exporting to the U.S. and other developed countries. "

Reviews

[Angelina · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was published in 2010, and I read it in 2025, so some of the analysis is outdated due to more recent current affairs. Nonetheless, it is interesting to read the trajectory and predictions that were meant to materialise by now. The insights into the economic and political environment of China and America in the early 2000s still provide a solid foundation for understanding what has occurred. The book is insightful for those looking for a general understanding of the basic factors that have shaped our current world. It would be interesting to see the author do a follow-up with updated statistics on what has occurred since and what his new predictions may be.

The book provides an adequate, simplified overview with moments of deeper analysis. However, it is not totally comprehensive, likely due to its relatively short length of 250 pages. For what it is, it offers decent analysis. It also piqued my interest as it emphasised a fair amount of pages to highlight Taiwan’s involvement, albeit not extensively.

It is good for someone looking to consolidate their knowledge and understanding of the differences between the political and economic mindsets of the two largest economies during the period from 2008 to 2010. Although it has limited extension, particularly for those reading at present with the hindsight of what has occurred (e.g., Covid), it is more suitable for newly acquainted or curious readers with limited knowledge of the relationship.

For me as a reader, it was still a worthwhile read because I wanted to explore a more American perspective offered by an American author; however, it was not transformative, just a reaffirmation of my understanding of that time and an extension of specific industries.

[Zee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Underrated.

From the cover art, title and Goodreads rating I did not expect much but was curious given the topic’s importance today.

This book gets 5 stars not because it is perfect but because it 1) is grossly underrated here, 2) would have been a critical read when it came out (and still is), 3) is a great book especially for someone wanting to compare industrial and economic strengths and weaknesses between China and the U.S., and 4) is a realistic crash course overview of comparative industry, strategy, and economics between the two countries, with international and long-term emphases and a useful game plan in the last chapter.

The author makes a few troublesome statements but that doesn’t detract from the fact that a whole lot more people need to read books like this before having unbeknownst-to-them wholly subjective opinions on US-China relations, including US leaders—especially those that like to use China as the hammer for every one of their political nails.

[Jb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good information in this book. I hope the author will write a new edition with recent developments.