For years now, China’s economic and political rise has provoked fear—even paranoia—around the world. But how do we get our information about China, and how are our understandings of it actually produced?             Constructing China presents a detailed examination of the means through which our knowledge of China is created. Rejecting the supposed objectivity of empirical statistics and challenging the assumption of a dichotomy between Western liberal democracy and Chinese authoritarianism, Mobo Gao dissects the political agenda and conceptual framework of commentators on China and urges those on the right and the left alike to be carefully critical of their own views on the nation’s politics, economics, and history.   “In this book, Mobo Gao intervenes in the increasingly tense ideological exchange that has accompanied China’s challenge to the global hegemony of the West. Intimately familiar with the intellectual terrain in both worlds, Gao offers unique insights, at once indignant and introspective.” -- Joel Andreas, John Hopkins University “Mobo Gao is one of the most creative and stimulating thinkers on contemporary Chinese issues today. This splendid book on fundamental questions about what China is maintains his ability to target key questions which might often be asked, but are seldom treated in such elegantly provocative fashion.”   -- Kerry Brown, Professor of Chinese Studies and Director, Lau China Institute "A bold, revisionist account citing much historical evidence and presenting interpretations that challenge mainstream views of China…Gao makes a provocative case that will spark vigorous debate about the country and its leaders’ motives." -- Dorothy Solinger, Professor Emerita, University of California, Irvine 'Mobo Gao is one of the most creative and stimulating thinkers on contemporary Chinese issues today. This splendid book on fundamental questions about what China is maintains his ability to target key questions which might often be asked, but seldom treated in such elegantly provocative fashion' 'Mobo Gao intervenes in the increasingly tense ideological exchange that has accompanied China's challenge to the global hegemony of the West. Intimately familiar with the intellectual terrain in both worlds, Gao offers unique insights, at once indignant and introspective' 'A bold, revisionist account citing much historical evidence and presenting interpretations that challenge mainstream views of China ...Gao makes a provocative case that will spark vigourous debate about the country and its leaders' motives' 'This book engages a fundamental question in politics and history concerning discursive power. It is forcefully argued and highly stimulating. The compelling case Mobo Gao makes deserves broad attention for its significance and urgency in debating the hegemonic ascendance of revisionist historiography' Mobo Gao is professor of Chinese studies at the University of Adelaide and the author of The Battle for China’s Past , also published by Pluto Press.