De Facto Federalism in China: Reforms and Dynamics of Central-Local Relations | Contemporary China Political Studies | Academic Research on Chinese Governance & Policy Making

This book DOES NOT discuss, to what extend and why China should or could be characterized as a "de facto federalist" state.It rather gives a long-winding and ever so repetative backround on Chinese history concerning localism and decentralisation. It claims on multiple accounts that China is a de facto federalist state but never even once tells the reader WHY. There is no connection between the historical digressions and this bold claim. Decentralisation and federalism are associated terms but no clear distinction is made whatsoever.This book is suited for researchers looking for a detailed (but very repetative) account of Chinese History during the 80s and 90s.However, if you are looking for a compact and comprehensive analysis, supported by pro and con arguments, as to what extend and why China should be called "federalist", this book has not much to offer. You'd have to read through a 430-page book to get information that would barely fill a 20-page pamphlet.Recommendation: Skip this one