The author highlights China's economic situation, stating that despite the perceived development, a significant portion of the population remains impoverished. The benefits of this growth have been limited to a small elite, leading to an increasing divide between the wealthy and the poor. If this trend continues unchecked, it could lead to severe societal instability or even authoritarian governance.

Mankell emphasizes the plight of the vast number of peasants whose hard work sustains the nation's wealth. He argues that these individuals are increasingly marginalized and that their struggles must be recognized in discussions about China's future. Their labor is the foundation for the nation's development, yet they benefit less from the prosperity that arises from it.