The book explores the evolution of the Chinese economy and shows how it has always been a part of a state-centered Chinese order. It uses the framework of 'market in state' to demonstrate how it is dominated by political principles over economic principles.

Uses the framework of 'market in state', to argue that the Chinese economy is state-centered, dominated by political principles over economic principles.

Advance praise: 'This study carefully explores the efforts of a centralized state to develop markets that, in modern times, adapted to a variety of free market mechanisms. The analysis of China's ventures into all levels of a global economy leads the authors to new theoretical insights into the market's impact on state development. It also shows how and why Chinese experiments have made an impact on our understanding of political economy. All students of contemporary China will find the study original and enlightening.' Wang Gungwu, National University of Singapore