Through a rigorous examination of "China's rise", Lee addresses an important question-Did China catch up? Or more specifically, can growth be automatically translated to catching up with the advanced industrialised countries or has it only allowed limited progress (if any) to be made?

To answer these queries and the broader question of the possibility of the Global South converging with the Global North, four development theories are utilised, with competing explanations, to uncover the complexity and multifaceted development of China. This includes whether China really has a unique developmental model to offer. Positioning China within the global economy, this book traces its developmental progress over time as well as its progress relative to other countries. To understand whether the Chinese political economy is socialist (or not), Lee moves away from the orthodox definition of socialism and instead examines the official narrative of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics. Lastly, this book argues that though China is catching up, challenges that could potentially block China's progress for a full catch-up are to be anticipated.

A useful resource for students and scholars in the fields of international relations, international political economy, Chinese studies, and development studies.