What is China? While many perceive it as a rising power challenging Western dominance, eminent historian Professor Gungwu Wang posits that the country has no ambitions on that front. In this illuminating book comprised of edited transcripts of selected lectures, it offers his interpretation of the answer. He traces China's roots as an ancient, borderless Sinic civilisation with a distinctive past that has been a source of strength. Following the establishment of the concept of a nation-state in the late 18th century, its identity was eventually forced to change from dynastic rule to a republic. Revolution and reform characterised much of the evolution, compelling it to define a national culture that would propel it down the road of progress and enable it to take its rightful place on the world stage. Interspersed with observations from his position as an overseas Chinese, this collection of insights is a must-read for anyone keen to understand China better.