Author:Juan Pablo Cardenal,Heriberto Araújo
China's Silent Army is a revealing and gripping piece of investigative journalism into the unknown extent of China's global power, from China-based reporters Juan Pablo Cardenal and Heriberto Araújo
This book stems from the remarkable, determined work of these two China-based journalists who, frustrated by the facile, pro-business commentary of so much writing on China and the evasions of Beijing's official pronouncements, took a drastic decision: to see for themselves just how rapidly China is spreading its influence around the world.
Many thousands of miles and twenty-five countries later, China's Silent Army is the result: an unprecedented attempt to meet the many Chinese who, through hard work, ingenuity and ruthless business practices are rapidly moving much of the world into Beijing's orbit. From Peruvian mines to Siberian forests, from Sudanese dams to Burmese jade mines - everywhere China's 'silent army' is working to redirect enormous resources.
China's Silent Army allows the reader to come face-to-face with extraordinary individuals working on China's behalf, often in truly terrible conditions, to create what amounts to a new, informal empire.
Reviews:
'Powerful ... brilliant ... The book cuts to the political core' Michael Sheridan, Sunday Times
'Lively and humane ... [China's Silent Army] offers essential information for all who wish to learn how the global reach of China Inc is transforming the lives of everyone on this planet' Frank Dikötter, Literary Review
'Excellent macro-economic insights ... but ultimately the human stories are what make it so compelling ... It ought to be required reading' Prospect
'[Cardenal and Araújo's] research is prodigious and the facts they unearth startling ... the Chinese should reflect on the questions the book raises. To put it mildly, there appears to be a case to answer' Evening Standard
'Engaging and sympathetic ... Fascinating and vivid' Spectator
About the authors:
Juan Pablo Cardenal has been reporting from and about China and the Asia-Pacific region since 2003, first, as the Shanghai correspondent for Spain's daily El Mundo and, later, in Singapore and Beijing for Spain's leading economic daily El Economista.
Heriberto Araújo arrived to Beijing in early 2007 and has focused in social and economic issues related to China and Asia. He initially worked for the AFP agency, as the Spanish correspondent in Beijing, and then started his career as a freelance, working for several French (M6, France 24, RFI) and Spanish (Notimex, Capital) media.
They have jointly published related articles in Foreign Policy, El País, The South China Morning Post, Radio France International (RFI) and in leading Japanese weekly Shukan Bunshun.
Powerful ... brilliant ... The book cuts to the political core
—— Michael Sheridan , Sunday TimesLively and humane ... [China's Silent Army] offers essential information for all who wish to learn how the global reach of China Inc is transforming the lives of everyone on this planet
—— Frank Dikötter , Literary ReviewExcellent macro-economic insights ... but ultimately the human stories are what make it so compelling ... By shining a light on the industriousness of Chinese citizens around the world, China's Silent Army helps us understand why the chairman of China's sovereign wealth fund recently criticised Europe's welfare system and employment laws ... It ought to be required reading for all EU bureaucrats
—— Prospect[Cardenal and Araujo's] research is prodigious and the facts they unearth startling. In their investigation into Chinese business habits they visited 25 countries, from Siberia to South America via South-East Asia, Africa and the Middle East ... the Chinese should reflect on the questions the book raises. To put it mildly, there appears to be a case to answer
—— George Walden , Evening StandardEngaging and sympathetic ... Fascinating and vivid
—— SpectatorBoth stories - Loung's told in her own voice and Chou's narrated in the third person - are inherently fascinating and are recounted with a vividness and immediacy that make them even more so. Written with an engaging vigour and directness, [After They Killed Our Father] is an unforgettable portrait of resilience and largeness of spirit
—— Los Angeles TimesA searing account of the aftermath of Khmer Rouge's brutality . . . this self-assured, moving memoir is a testament to the human spirit's resistance
—— Financial Times MagazineFor those wanting a more grown-up experience of the Tudor past, there are few better places to start the Leanda de Lisle’s new study. Many have told this story before. What makes de Lisle’s account so fresh is her decision to start her “family story” not in 1485… but three generations earlier… Rarely has [this] story been told as well as here
—— John Adamson , Mail on SundayHer compellingly written book not only illuminates obscure family members... but also provides fresh perspectives on some of the most familiar figures in our history... a work that elegantly combines wide-ranging research with fluent narrative
—— Nick Rennison , Sunday Times (Culture)De Lisle’s masterful command of the facts – great and small – provides a complete and entertaining overview
—— Giles Tremlett , ObserverA vibrant reappraisal of this turbulent family saga
—— Anne Somerset , SpectatorFull of subtle revelations and fascinating detail... fine storytelling and thought-provoking analysis
—— Linda Porter , Literary ReviewIt is…greatly to the credit of Leanda de Lisle that her new book on the Tudors as a family is so admirably balanced and accomplished, and full of subtle revelations and fascinating detail. The familiar faces are all here but their story is told with new insights… Fine storytelling and thought-provoking analysis
—— Linda Porter , Literary Review[An] illuminating portrait of our most famous royal family
—— Sunday TimesHighly readable but no less scholarly
—— Lesley McDowell , Independent on SundayWonderful, passionate, dangerous, fascinating stuff. I couldn't put it down
—— Julian FellowesLeanda de Lisle has the gift of reminding us that history is the story of real people; real men, real women, full of rage and ambitionand lust and hope and love. The Tudors are already our most vivid dynasty, by quite a long chalk, but these pages render them more vivid still. This was an age when the game was worth the candle, when a chance remark could result in a crown or the axe. Wonderful, passionate, dangerous, fascinating stuff. I couldn't put it down
—— Julian FellowesThis fresh take on the Tudor dynasty is history at its best... an engaging and well-sourced account, sprinkled with provocative anecdotes that will appeal to both scholars and general readers... This compelling tale is driven by three-dimensional people and relationships, and de Lisle does a fantastic job of making them feel lived and dramatic
—— Publishers WeeklyReveals an entirely new perspective on one of England's most fascinating dynasties
—— Mary Lussiana , Country & Town HouseA very lucid, entertaining and excellent read
—— Suzannah Lipscomb , History TodayA thrilling, intelligent and fresh royal history that sweeps from the family’s unlikely beginnings in the 1420s to their apotheosis under Elizabeth
—— Dan Jones , TelegraphThe compelling story of the Tudors is vividly brought to life in de Lisle's narrative
—— Discover BritainThis should now be the go-to book for those looking for a broad understanding of the Tudors
—— Chris Skidmore , BBC History MagazineDe Lisle's energy and stamina in this vast operation are truly impressive. What is more, she tells an often thrilling story with great dexterity... Altogether, this remarkable achievement puts de Lisle firmly in the front rank of popular historians of the period
—— John Jolliffe , Catholic HeraldUnlike many books that claim to tell the story of the Tudors, but focus mainly on four characters (namely Henry VIII and his three children who all ruled England after him), this excellent book includes so many members of the Tudor family who may not always be forgotten, but are often sidelined
—— Good Book Guide