The Transpacific Experiment
The Transpacific Experiment: How China and California Collaborate and Compete for Our Future is a non-fiction work published in 2019 by Matt Sheehan that explores the economic interactions between California and China.
Background
Sheehan, a native of Palo Alto, California, received his education in California and spent five years residing in China. At the time of the book’s release, he was affiliated with a California-based think tank.
Contents
According to Randall Stross from the Wall Street Journal, the narrative concentrates specifically on the relationship between California and China, presented through a series of loosely connected snapshots. The book discusses subjects including the emergence of leading Chinese internet firms despite past obstacles, the prominent film production center located in Hengdian, Zhejiang, initiatives by a Californian mayor to secure a Chinese manufacturing plant, and Chinese American advocates of Donald Trump.
Although Sheehan cites some references, Stross pointed out the absence of formal academic citations. Sam Davies from The World of Chinese emphasized Sheehan’s perspective that as Chinese economic power and self-assurance increase, interactions are evolving with both parties adopting more pragmatic and cautious approaches. Davies also remarked on the author’s impartial portrayal.
Reception
Stross recognized the book’s relevance but critiqued it for not delivering enough depth or narrative cohesion to fully realize its promise, despite containing some engaging stories. Davies identified the lack of actionable guidance or proposals for enhancing constructive engagement as a drawback but commended Sheehan’s thorough identification of critical issues and vivid character portrayals.
Kirkus Reviews characterized it as "Essential reading amid rising trade tensions and the waning dominance of the U.S. economy."
See also
External links
- The Transpacific Experiment - Counterpoint
- Matt Sheehan discussing China-California exchanges, USC US-China Institute, USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism (2019-10-22)
- Videos
- Matt Sheehan | The Transpacific Experiment: How China and California Collaborate and Compete for Our Future, National Committee on U.S.-China Relations (2019-09-10)
- Matt Sheehan on prospects for China & California, Asia Society (2019-08-13)
- Video: Matt Sheehan on socioeconomic connections between California and China, USC US-China Institute, USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism (2019-10-22)