Chinas rise to global prominence is one of the most remarkable stories of our time.  Millions of urban Chinese today enjoy lifestyles unthinkable in the days of Chairman Maos communist regime, and the countrys leadership has made continuing economic growth their primary goal, helping to transform China into a modern world power.  Rapid change has also created tensions within Chinese society: a new middle class and a small, wealthy elite contrast with a far larger number who feel they have yet to benefit from the new economy. Corruption and abuse of power have emerged as a potent source of discontent across Chinas social divide.In this fully revised second edition, China since 1949 traces key events from the Maoist era through the Reform period to the present day. The book:Explains the forces behind Chinas rapid growth, and its domestic and international impact. Examines issues of international concern, such as Chinas human rights record and international relations, balanced against the domestic pressures that influence Chinas behaviour on the global stage. Illustrates, through the use of world rankings, Chinas new position as a global economic power Includes two new chapters, covering contemporary society and political developments since 2000 Incorporates new sections on Latin America and Africa, and updated material on TaiwanWritten in accessible and engaging prose, this fully updated edition of China since 1949 is a concise but comprehensive introduction to Chinas recent past.Linda Benson is Professor of Chinese History at Oakland University, Michigan, and holds degrees from the University of Hong Kong and the University of Leeds. She is the author of a number of books, including China's Last Nomads: The History and Culture of China's Kazaks (1998) and Across China's Gobi: The Lives of Evangeline French, Mildred Cable, and Francesca French (2008). (Pearson)