Key Takeaways
1. China's Economic Rise is Built on Unfair Trade Practices
In consumer safety, unscrupulous Chinese merchants are flooding global markets with everything from bone-crushing, cancer-causing, flammable, and poisonous products to other kinds of lethal merchandise, foods, and drugs.
Illegitimate advantages. China's economic success isn't solely due to hard work and innovation, but also stems from a deliberate strategy of unfair trade practices. These practices undermine free markets and harm other nations' economies, particularly the United States.
Eight weapons of job destruction:
- Illegal export subsidies
- Currency manipulation
- Intellectual property theft
- Environmental degradation
- Lax labor standards
- Export restrictions
- Predatory pricing
- Protectionist trade barriers
Consequences of unfair trade: These practices have led to the decline of American manufacturing, the loss of millions of jobs, and a growing trade deficit. They also give Chinese companies an unfair advantage in global markets, making it difficult for businesses in other countries to compete.
2. China's "Quality Con" Endangers Consumers Worldwide
Only China can turn a leather sofa into acid, a baby crib into a death trap, and a cell phone battery into shrapnel.
Systemic product safety issues. China's manufacturing sector is plagued by a "Quality Con," a systemic problem of producing substandard and dangerous goods. This is due to a combination of factors, including lax regulations, corruption, and a lack of ethical standards.
Examples of dangerous products:
- Lead-laced toys
- Contaminated food and drugs
- Faulty electronics
- Corrosive drywall
Broken safety nets: The safeguards meant to protect consumers often fail, including Chinese regulators, American border inspectors, and American companies that import Chinese goods. This leaves consumers vulnerable to dangerous and potentially lethal products.
3. The PLA's Military Expansion Threatens Global Security
Through this means, as Lenin observed, “the capitalists will sell us the rope with which to hang them,” every Walmart dollar Americans spend on cheap Chinese imports helps finance China’s rapid arming.
Rapid military modernization. China is undergoing a rapid and comprehensive military expansion, fueled by its economic growth. This expansion includes advanced naval and air capabilities, as well as sophisticated weapons systems.
Offensive military build-up: China's military buildup is not solely for defensive purposes, but also includes capabilities for power projection and regional dominance. This raises concerns about China's intentions and its potential to use military force to achieve its goals.
Specific military advancements:
- Nuclear submarines
- Ballistic missiles
- Cyber warfare capabilities
- Anti-satellite weapons
This military expansion is causing unease among China's neighbors and raising concerns about the future of regional and global security.
4. China's Colonialism Locks Down Resources and Markets
To get Sudan’s oil, China used its veto power to block UN intervention in the Sudanese government’s genocide in Darfur, ignoring the ruthless Janjaweed militia’s use of Chinese weapons to forcibly rape thousands of women and murder 300,000 innocent Sudanese.
Neo-colonial strategy. China is engaging in a new form of colonialism, using economic leverage to gain control over resources and markets in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. This strategy involves offering loans and infrastructure development in exchange for access to natural resources.
Exploitation of resources: China's colonial practices often involve the exploitation of natural resources, the displacement of local populations, and the undermining of local industries. This leaves these countries dependent on China and vulnerable to economic exploitation.
Examples of colonial practices:
- Securing oil in Sudan
- Acquiring mineral rights in the Democratic Republic of Congo
- Building infrastructure in exchange for resources in Angola
This neo-colonialism undermines the sovereignty of developing nations and perpetuates a cycle of dependence and exploitation.
5. Currency Manipulation Fuels China's Economic Dominance
American workers can compete with Chinese workers on a level playing field with a fair currency value. They just can’t compete with a manipulated one.
Undervalued currency. China manipulates its currency, the Renminbi (RMB), to keep it artificially low against the US dollar. This gives Chinese exporters an unfair advantage, making their products cheaper in foreign markets.
Impact on trade: Currency manipulation distorts trade flows, leading to a massive trade deficit for the United States and other countries. It also makes it more difficult for American manufacturers to compete with Chinese companies.
Consequences of currency manipulation:
- Loss of American jobs
- Reduced economic growth
- Increased dependence on Chinese imports
This currency manipulation is a key driver of China's economic dominance and a major source of friction in international trade relations.
6. American Corporate "Traitors" Enable China's Rise
Today, living in the comfort and safety of New York City, I can understand why Western nations may fail to clearly see the CCP as a dangerous enemy to both the Chinese people and the rest of the world.
Prioritizing profits over patriotism. Many American corporations have become complicit in China's rise by prioritizing profits over patriotism. These companies have outsourced manufacturing to China, transferred technology, and lobbied against policies that would protect American jobs.
Examples of corporate behavior:
- Closing American factories and opening new ones in China
- Transferring technology to Chinese partners
- Lobbying against trade reforms
Consequences of corporate actions: These actions have contributed to the decline of American manufacturing, the loss of American jobs, and the erosion of American competitiveness. They also strengthen China's economy and military, making it a more formidable competitor.
7. China's Cyber Espionage Steals Intellectual Property and Military Secrets
China’s spying activities in the United States are so rampant that they constitute the single greatest threat to America’s technological security.
Rampant cyber espionage. China engages in widespread cyber espionage, targeting American companies, government agencies, and research institutions. This espionage is aimed at stealing intellectual property, trade secrets, and military technology.
Methods of cyber espionage:
- Hacking into computer systems
- Recruiting spies
- Using front companies
Targets of cyber espionage:
- Defense contractors
- Technology companies
- Government agencies
This cyber espionage poses a significant threat to American innovation, economic competitiveness, and national security.
8. China's Environmental Destruction Has Global Consequences
Obviously, if China hopes to survive in the twenty-first century, then their production must meet these standards.
Severe environmental degradation. China's rapid economic growth has come at a high environmental cost. The country is plagued by severe air and water pollution, soil contamination, and deforestation.
Global impact of environmental problems:
- Air pollution that travels across the Pacific Ocean
- Contaminated food and products exported to other countries
- Increased demand for resources that leads to environmental destruction in other parts of the world
Examples of environmental problems:
- Smog-filled cities
- Polluted rivers and lakes
- Contaminated farmland
China's environmental problems have global consequences, affecting the health and well-being of people around the world.
9. The CCP's Oppression Crushes Freedom and Human Rights
We embrace these principles, as presented to the reader in this poignant book by authors Peter Navarro and Greg Autry, because these principles can never be wrong, and this is why world citizens have long and genuinely supported the Chinese people, who are not alone in facing oppression and anachronistic rule.
Systematic human rights abuses. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) maintains a repressive political system that severely restricts freedom of speech, assembly, and religion. The government also engages in widespread human rights abuses, including torture, arbitrary detention, and forced labor.
Targets of repression:
- Political dissidents
- Religious minorities
- Ethnic minorities
- Labor activists
Methods of repression:
- Censorship
- Surveillance
- Imprisonment
- Torture
The CCP's human rights record is a major source of concern for the international community.
10. The West's Pro-China Policies are Based on False Assumptions
I believe that, for readers of Chinese in the free world, such as Taiwan, Canada, and the United States, this book will be of great value in shifting international opinion regarding China.
Misguided assumptions about China. Many Western policymakers and business leaders have based their pro-China policies on false assumptions about the country's political and economic system. These assumptions include the belief that economic liberalization will lead to political freedom, and that China will eventually become a responsible stakeholder in the international system.
Examples of false assumptions:
- China will become more democratic as it becomes wealthier
- China will abide by international rules and norms
- China's economic growth benefits everyone
Consequences of false assumptions: These false assumptions have led to policies that have strengthened China's economy and military, while undermining American interests. It is crucial to re-evaluate these assumptions and adopt a more realistic approach to China.
11. Surviving and Thriving in the Age of the Red Dragon
The main goal of this book is not only to open the reader’s eyes to the unconscionable behavior of China but also to offer a survival guide and call to action at this critical juncture in American and global history.
Call to action. The book urges readers to take action to address the challenges posed by China's rise. This includes supporting policies that protect American jobs, promote fair trade, and defend human rights.
Strategies for surviving and thriving:
- Be aware of the risks of Chinese products
- Support American-made goods
- Advocate for policies that promote fair trade
- Hold China accountable for its human rights abuses
Hope for the future. Despite the challenges, the book expresses hope that the Chinese people will eventually find their moral courage and overthrow their corrupt rulers. It also emphasizes the importance of working with China to address global challenges, such as climate change and pandemics.
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FAQ
1. What is "Death by China" by Peter Navarro about?
- China as a Global Threat: The book argues that China, under the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), poses a multifaceted threat to the world through economic, political, and military means.
- Dangerous Products and Practices: It details how China exports dangerous and toxic products, undermines global safety standards, and disregards environmental and labor protections.
- Economic Warfare: Navarro explains how China uses unfair trade practices, currency manipulation, and intellectual property theft to erode Western manufacturing and jobs.
- Call to Action: The book is both a warning and a guide, urging readers, policymakers, and businesses to recognize and respond to the dangers posed by the CCP’s strategies.
2. Why should I read "Death by China" by Peter Navarro?
- Comprehensive Analysis: The book provides a thorough investigation into the economic, political, and social impacts of China’s rise, especially for Western countries.
- Consumer Awareness: It highlights the hidden dangers in everyday products and the risks consumers face from Chinese imports.
- Policy and Business Relevance: For policymakers and business leaders, it offers insights into the strategic challenges posed by China and suggests actionable responses.
- Moral and Ethical Perspective: The book frames the China issue as not just economic, but also a matter of human rights, democracy, and global security.
3. What are the key takeaways from "Death by China"?
- Unfair Trade Practices: China’s economic growth is fueled by illegal subsidies, currency manipulation, and disregard for international trade rules.
- Product Safety Risks: Chinese exports often contain toxic substances or are manufactured under unsafe conditions, endangering global consumers.
- Environmental and Human Rights Abuses: The CCP’s policies result in severe environmental degradation and widespread human rights violations, both domestically and abroad.
- Urgency for Action: The book calls for coordinated action from individuals, businesses, and governments to counteract China’s harmful practices and protect global interests.
4. How does "Death by China" define and explain China’s economic warfare against the West?
- Eight Weapons of Economic Destruction: Navarro identifies eight main tactics, including illegal export subsidies, currency manipulation, intellectual property theft, environmental destruction, and labor exploitation.
- Impact on Manufacturing: These tactics have led to the loss of millions of manufacturing jobs in the U.S. and other Western countries.
- Trade Imbalance: The book details how China’s practices have created massive trade deficits, weakening Western economies.
- Supply Chain Control: China’s dominance in critical resources and manufacturing gives it leverage over global supply chains and markets.
5. What specific dangers do Chinese products pose, according to "Death by China"?
- Toxic Food and Drugs: The book documents cases of contaminated food, counterfeit drugs, and dangerous additives like melamine in baby formula.
- Unsafe Consumer Goods: Examples include toys with lead paint, defective electronics, and hazardous building materials.
- Lack of Accountability: Chinese manufacturers often evade responsibility for defective products, and legal recourse is difficult for foreign consumers.
- Systemic Regulatory Failure: Both Chinese and Western regulatory systems are portrayed as inadequate in protecting consumers from these risks.
6. How does "Death by China" describe China’s impact on global environmental and labor standards?
- Environmental Catastrophe: The book describes China as the world’s worst polluter, with severe air, water, and soil contamination affecting not just China but neighboring countries and even the U.S.
- Labor Exploitation: Chinese workers face dangerous conditions, low wages, and lack of rights, with forced labor and child labor still prevalent.
- Exporting Pollution: By relocating polluting industries to China, Western companies contribute to global environmental decline.
- Global Consequences: The environmental and labor abuses in China have ripple effects, undermining global efforts to improve standards.
7. What is the role of American and Western companies in the issues raised by "Death by China"?
- Corporate Complicity: The book criticizes Western companies for prioritizing profits over safety, ethics, and national interests by outsourcing to China.
- Technology Transfer: Many firms are forced or incentivized to transfer technology and R&D to Chinese partners, undermining their own competitiveness.
- Lobbying Against Reform: U.S. business groups often lobby against trade reforms that would address China’s unfair practices, fearing retaliation or loss of market access.
- Short-Term Gains, Long-Term Losses: Navarro argues that these business decisions ultimately weaken Western economies and empower the CCP.
8. How does "Death by China" address China’s military and geopolitical ambitions?
- Rapid Military Expansion: The book details China’s investment in advanced military technology, including naval, air, cyber, and space capabilities.
- Espionage and Cyberwarfare: China’s extensive use of traditional espionage and cyberattacks is highlighted as a major threat to Western security.
- Resource Colonialism: China’s aggressive pursuit of global resources, especially in Africa and Latin America, is described as a new form of colonialism.
- Strategic Leverage: The CCP uses its economic and military power to influence international organizations and undermine Western alliances.
9. What solutions and actions does "Death by China" recommend for individuals, businesses, and governments?
- Consumer Choices: The book urges consumers to avoid Chinese-made products when possible and demand better labeling and safety standards.
- Corporate Responsibility: Businesses are encouraged to assess the true risks of outsourcing to China and to resist forced technology transfers.
- Policy Reforms: Navarro calls for stronger trade enforcement, anti-dumping measures, and restrictions on Chinese state-owned enterprises’ acquisitions.
- International Cooperation: The book advocates for coordinated action among Western and allied nations to confront China’s unfair practices and human rights abuses.
10. How does "Death by China" critique Western media, policymakers, and intellectuals regarding China?
- China Apologists: The book identifies a group of Western journalists, academics, and policymakers who downplay or excuse China’s abuses for ideological or economic reasons.
- Media Blind Spots: Navarro argues that Western media often rely on Chinese state sources and fail to report on the true extent of the CCP’s actions.
- Policy Paralysis: U.S. and Western governments are criticized for inaction, appeasement, and prioritizing short-term economic interests over long-term security and values.
- Need for Vigilance: The book calls for greater skepticism, transparency, and moral clarity in dealing with the CCP.
11. What are the most important concepts and definitions introduced in "Death by China"?
- State Capitalism: The book defines China’s system as a blend of authoritarian control and market mechanisms, with the state directing key industries and resources.
- Mercantilism and Protectionism: Navarro uses these terms to describe China’s strategic use of trade barriers, subsidies, and currency controls.
- Quality Con and Shanghai Sting: These are terms for systematic product quality fraud and intellectual property theft by Chinese manufacturers.
- A2/AD (Anti-Access/Area Denial): The book explains China’s military strategy to keep U.S. forces out of the Western Pacific and dominate its regional neighbors.
12. What are the best quotes from "Death by China" and what do they mean?
- “If everything in this book is true, then it’s not an attack on China.” – Emphasizes that the book’s critique is aimed at the CCP’s actions, not the Chinese people.
- “Every Walmart dollar is a bullet in the heart of American manufacturing.” – Illustrates how consumer choices fuel the decline of domestic industry and empower China.
- “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” – A call to action, urging readers not to be passive in the face of the CCP’s abuses.
- “A thinking person should stand with the victims, not the perpetrators.” – Cites Albert Camus to frame the moral responsibility of individuals and societies in confronting injustice.
- “China’s rise is not peaceful, and it is not inevitable.” – Challenges the narrative of China’s “peaceful rise” and calls for proactive engagement and reform.
Review Summary
Death by China receives mixed reviews, with some praising its alarming insights into China's economic and political practices, while others criticize its inflammatory tone and potential bias. Readers appreciate the book's detailed analysis of China's impact on global trade, military expansion, and environmental issues. However, many find the writing style overly sensationalist and lacking nuance. Some view it as an important call to action, while others dismiss it as fear-mongering. Overall, the book sparks debate about China's role in the world and its relationship with the United States.
About the Author
Other books by Peter Navarro
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