When Beijing hosted the 2008 Summer Olympics, the event was described ad nauseam as being like a debutante’s ‘coming out party’. In truth, it was more apt to see it as a coming-of-age party, akin to a Bar Mitzvah, as the PRC celebrated its economic and political adulthood. Extending the metaphor further, Beijing’s 2022 Winter Olympics, now coming to a close, has seemed more of a truculent teenager’s house party — with only preferred friends welcome, like Vladimir Putin, and with the host making it clear he’s doing just great and doesn’t need anybody else anyway. The contrast between the two sporting occasions could not be more stark. This month’s round-up of new China books uncovers fresh aspects of this new reality — from Chinese influence in America, to Chinese perspectives on a new global order, as well as books on China’s relationship with Hollywood, and it’s sporting ambitions. While 2008 seems a long time ago, through wide reading we can connect Chinaâ€