China and the Multinationals

This original and important book explores how the interaction between China and multinational enterprises (MNEs) has the potential to affect the future of the Chinese economy, the global economy, and international business.

It examines the interaction of two of the most important forces affecting the development of the global economy in recent decades – firstly the opening and massive growth of the Chinese economy, and secondly the rise in foreign direct investment per se and the consequent strategic restructuring of major MNEs. The expert contributors begin by investigating precisely how leading MNEs, with well-honed international practices and commitments, have drawn their subsidiaries in China into their established networks. They suggest that MNEs’ operations are increasingly embedded in the growth and sustainability of the Chinese economy itself, rather than merely serving as a supply base for their global markets. The second part of the book examines the emergence of new MNEs from China itself. It shows how these MNEs are seen as integral to China’s development, and how their ability to expand reflects strengths from China’s growth as well as revealing the growing needs required for sustainability.

This timely study will be of great interest not just to those following one of the world’s key economies, but also to researchers and students of the fast-paced changes in international business strategy.