Publication date: 1977
Although trade with China is no longer regarded exclusively as a one-way street permitting Western mercantilism to exploit an infinite market, the subject has been largely ignored in the West since the establishment of the People's Republic. Hence the importance of this pioneering study. In his illuminating discussion of the objectives of Chinese foreign trade, Professor Hsiao explains its significance both in the development of the national economy and in a diplomatic context. He also discusses the organization of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Trade, the business and administrative operations of Chinese national foreign trade corporations, China{u2019}s concept of international trade agreements, her trade representation abroad, and the status of alien residents and property in China. In addition, he analyzes many relevant laws, cases, contractual arrangements, agencies and distributorships, and formal and informal methods of settling disputes, illustrating China's uniquely flexible approach to foreign commerce. A rare collection of Chinese trade documents and contracts is included. Since Japan is China's major trading partner, the author's command of both Chinese and Japanese sources is of particular value. Moreover, he is the first American scholar to have utilized extensive interviews with Japanese traders who have acquired extensive experience in dealing with China. Especially noteworthy is his detailed review of three recent crises in Sino-Japanese commercial relations. A native of Shanghai, an American-educated lawyer and political scientist, and a longtime student of Chinese history and culture, Professor Hsiao is uniquely qualified to write this book, which should interest students of international law, politics, economics, and contemporary Chinese society as well as being extremely helpful to businessmen contemplating trade with the People{u2019}s Republic of China.
