The rapid growth of China and its rise to near-superpower status is something many countries in the West are wrestling with.
40 years ago, as it struggled to recover from the Cultural Revolution, China embarked on reform and opened its doors to economic and social transformation.
Journalist Richard McGregor's book The Party: The Secret World of Communist Rulers examined the role of the Chinese Communist Party in almost every aspect of life in the country, while in Asia's Reckoning he reviewed the history of hostility between Japan and China and the umbrella of peace in the region provided by America.
He'll feature in next month's Auckland Writers Festival and joins Kathryn to talk about what China's ascent means for the world - and New Zealand.
Richard McGregor's book The Party examined the role of the Chinese Communist Party of all aspects of life in China. Photo: Auckland Writers Festival, Penguin
