I found this book a hard read but I persevered because I felt it contained a wealth of important information. The extent and methods by which the Chinese government has suceeded in gaining significant influence in a host of countries (for example ranging from Europe, the USA, Australia and Africa) via cultural and financial links, is truely astounding. Politicians, universities and various cultural organisations have all been targeted together with Chinese citizens living abroad - the latter being vulnerable to threats against any relatives still living in China. The Belt and Road Initiative is also discussed in some detail as a further means of further spreading influence and control. The attempts to stifle open debate on topics such as Tibet, Taiwan, Tiananmen Square, Hong Kong, the Uyghur people and expanding territorial abitions in the South China Sea are also thoroughly covered. In short this is a challenging but important book.