The author has interviewed more than 100 Chinese leaders and shared his views on the thinking of the Chinese leaders of the next generation. This book deserves a wide readership.

I would agree with Kuhn's contention that China today is run by those who are best prepared and most dedicated. China draws on its long tradition of meritocracy and has largely established a system of selecting competent and dedicated leaders, especially at the provincial and ministerial level and above.

Zhang Weiwei, professor, Geneva School of Diplomacy and International Relations

I absolutely agree with Kuhn's assessment that China needs to be viewed by the rest of the world as "an opportunity". The progress toward a better and more pervasive sense of "opportunity" will only be furthered through greater understanding, honest dialogue and respect of differences.

Leaders on both sides (China and the West) need to set the tone of public dialogue and focus on the possibilities of partnership. There are a multitude of examples where constructive dialogue has yielded massive increases in societal progress, not only in China's relations with the West, but also with the developing world.

Focusing on opportunity will cause impediments of progress to be more quickly ferreted out. In so doing, the best attributes of each society can be brought forward for constructive change and progress.

David O'Brien, partner in charge of communications and marketing, Ernst & Young, New York

China Daily