China Books Review Launch

The launch event for *China Books Review* traces six decades of China-focused writing and observation, examining the evolution of the nation from the insular Mao era to the present day. Panelists analyze the shifting landscape of China watching, noting how the relative openness of the 1980s and 2000s facilitated deep engagement with Chinese society, while the current political climate has significantly restricted access and reporting. Key discussions highlight the role of "underground" intellectual currents, the challenges of maintaining journalistic integrity under state surveillance, and the tension between economic reform and the rigidity of a one-party Leninist structure. Experts including Orville Schell, Winston Lord, Ian Johnson, and Yangyang Cheng reflect on the necessity of maintaining diverse, informed perspectives to navigate the complexities of a nation that remains a central, yet often unpredictable, global force.