China's Superbank

China Development Bank (CDB) has become one of the world's largest and most influential financial institutions, yet remains largely unknown outside of China. This book examines CDB's rise to power and its central role in China's economic strategy, both domestically and internationally. The authors track CDB's evolution from a policy bank focused on internal development to a global financial force that helps advance Chinese interests worldwide. Through extensive research and interviews, they document how CDB provides massive loans for infrastructure, energy, and development projects across multiple continents. Through the lens of CDB's operations, the book reveals the mechanics of China's state capitalism and its growing influence in the global economy. The narrative provides an inside look at key figures like Chen Yuan, who transformed CDB into a powerhouse institution. The book serves as a crucial window into understanding China's unique hybrid of state control and market forces, as well as its ambitious vision for economic expansion beyond its borders. CDB's story reflects broader tensions between state-directed development and free market principles.

Readers found this book offers detailed insights into China Development Bank's operations and influence on China's economic growth, though some noted the content can be dense and technical. Liked: - Clear explanations of CDB's financing mechanisms - Well-researched examples of international deals - Strong data and historical context - Helpful for understanding China's overseas investments Disliked: - Technical jargon makes sections hard to follow - Some repetition between chapters - Focus on details over broader implications - Limited coverage of more recent developments (post-2013) One reader noted "provides deep understanding of how China funds its development" while another mentioned "too much emphasis on specific deals rather than strategic analysis." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (89 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (31 ratings) The book maintains steady interest from finance professionals and China analysts but has limited general audience appeal due to its technical nature.

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🏦 China Development Bank (CDB), the focus of this book, has assets larger than the World Bank and Asian Development Bank combined. 🌏 The authors discovered that CDB's overseas lending often secured oil deals for China, with billions of dollars loaned to countries like Venezuela and Russia in exchange for long-term oil supply contracts. 📈 Both authors were Bloomberg News reporters in Beijing when they wrote the book, giving them unique access to sources and data that helped reveal CDB's previously opaque operations. 💰 CDB pioneered a unique financing model called "local government financing vehicles" that funded much of China's urban infrastructure boom, effectively transforming the country's cities. 🏗️ The bank played a crucial role in transforming China from a largely rural society in the 1990s to an urban powerhouse, financing everything from the Three Gorges Dam to entire new cities.