There is much recent talk of shifting power dynamics in international relations and of expanding Chinese influence abroad. How much of this talk is hype and how much of it reflects reality? This volume provides an up-to-date and comparative studies of Beijing's influence attempts abroad in a variety of countries. It shows significant variations across these countries, and often the limits of Chinese influence.

‘The volume tackles the elusive question of China's influence abroad. Leading regional experts uncover the myths and realities about China's influence in a wide array of states in the Indo-Pacific. This major work raises thought-provoking questions about theorizing on, and the policy implications of, China's global influence.'

Yong Deng - Professor of Political Science, US Naval Academy, and author of 'China's Strategic Opportunity: Change and Revisionism in Chinese Foreign Policy'

'Among volumes of publications on China's growing regional and global influence, Professor Chan's brilliant book is distinguished by clarity of the analysis and the broad expertise of the contributors on the countries in the Indo-Pacific, revealing a mixed record in Beijing's influence efforts. The policy and academic communities will find this edited book an invaluable source of nuanced knowledge and key insights into a defining international relations issue of our times.'

Ming Wan - Professor, Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University