Book Review: ‘The End of the Chinese Century’ by Bertil Lintner

Book Title: The End of the Chinese Century? How Xi Jinping Lost the Belt and Road Initiative
Author: Bertil Lintner
Publisher: HarperCollins India
Number of Pages: 256
ISBN: 978-9362135599
Date Published: Oct. 16, 2024
Price: INR 323

Book Review

Bertil Lintner’s “The End of the Chinese Century? How Xi Jinping Lost the Belt and Road Initiative” offers an incisive exploration of China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Launched in 2013 under Xi Jinping’s leadership, the BRI was envisioned as a modern “New Silk Route,” connecting continents via the “Silk Road Economic Belt” and the “Maritime Silk Road.” Its grand vision aimed not only to restore China’s glory as a global trading powerhouse but also to position it as the preeminent world leader, surpassing the United States. Lintner critically examines these aspirations, grounding his analysis in historical context and geopolitical realities.

The book delves into the challenges faced by the BRI, highlighting instances where it has fallen short of its goals. Countries like Sri Lanka and Laos, burdened by Chinese debt, illustrate the pitfalls of this ambitious endeavor. Others, such as Thailand and several Central Asian republics, have grown wary of Chinese investments, while nations like Pakistan have seen outright opposition. Lintner underscores these tensions, revealing how resistance across Asia and the Pacific has stalled China’s vision of regional dominance.

Author Bertil Lintner’s writing is both detailed and engaging, enriched by his deep knowledge of the region’s history and geopolitics. The book provides a broad geographic sweep, with meticulous attention to China’s strategic calculations regarding natural resources, transportation networks, and geopolitical leverage. Despite its extensive focus on smaller island nations in the final chapters, the depth of analysis validates their inclusion, underscoring their significance in China’s global strategy. Lintner’s use of maps and historical parallels enhances the reader’s understanding, making the book a compelling read for those interested in China’s global ambitions.

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Through its seven well-structured chapters, “The End of the Chinese Century?” serves as a crucial resource for understanding the complexities of the BRI and its broader implications. While the BRI has expanded China’s reach, its partial failures offer a sobering perspective on the limits of such expansive projects. Bertil Lintner not only critiques the initiative’s flawed assumptions but also examines the ripple effects on India’s role as a counterweight to China. This book is an essential read for anyone keen on deciphering China’s political strategies and their implications for global business and diplomacy.

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