- In-depth discussion on policies introduced by China's new leaders up to the second half of 2005
- Focus on issues that have aroused great attention, including increasing inequalities, land appropriation, social unrest, health care, the state of financial system, leadership succession, political reform, and China's relations with Southeast Asia
- Over a dozen of chapters on individual aspects of China showing a comprehensive and rich picture of a fast-growing and changing China
- Well-researched work by scholars who have been studying specific issues on China or Asia for years, including known scholars Joseph Fewsmith, K C Fung, Li Cheng, Zhao Quansheng, and Zheng Yongnian
- Contributions from China scholars from different disciplines
- Regional background of authors (Singapore, the US, Australia, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and mainland China) a diverse yet balanced view of China