Author:
Dee Knight
Book Title:
Befriending China: People-to-People Peacemaking
Publishing Information:
Solidarity Publications, 2026
Link to Purchase Book:
Synopsis:
A Journey into the Heart of Modern China: Befriending China’s 2026 Edition Befriending China is a Gold Winner from the 2025 Nonfiction Book Awards (International Category) from the Nonfiction Authors Association. Author Dee Knight provides a transformative look at a nation often misunderstood by the West. Based on four extensive visits in 2023, 2024 and 2025, this book documents the rapid evolution of a new world leader dedicated to people-to-people peacemaking.
It is a compelling account of China’s efforts to foster openness, cross-cultural engagement, and mutual understanding in an era defined by geopolitical tension. The book blends vivid travel experiences with eye-opening analysis of China’s infrastructure, healthcare advancements, poverty alleviation efforts, cultural richness, and social transformations.
The 2026 edition includes two new chapters:
• “The Buzz of Beijing,” describing the historic 80th Anniversary celebration of China’s victory over Japanese fascism at the end of World War II
• “Leadership Was the Key in China’s Targeted Poverty Alleviation Campaign,” a close-up view of the historic elimination of extreme poverty for 800 million people.
The narrative includes firsthand observations of regions like Xinjiang in the far west and Guizhou in the southwest, detailed explorations of cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, Chongqing, Hangzhou, and Suzhou, and thoughtful discussions about the implications of media narratives on global perceptions of China.
This book also delves into diplomatic initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative and the role of multilateral coalitions such as BRICS. Inside this important book, you will discover:
- Firsthand travel accounts from multiple regions across China, offering perspectives rarely seen in Western media
- Exploration of the Belt and Road Initiative and how it is changing global cooperation and economic development
- Examination of BRICS and other multilateral coalitions reshaping international relations
- Critical assessment of mainstream media narratives and how they shape Western perceptions of China
- A peace-forward perspective on U.S.-China relations and pathways to mutual understanding
Befriending China challenges readers to rethink prevailing assumptions, offering a nuanced perspective on U.S.-China relations, peacebuilding, and global cooperation. It is essential reading for anyone interested in international relations, geopolitics, cultural diplomacy, and the realities beyond headline news. With vivid storytelling and thoughtful analysis, Dee Knight invites readers into a deeper understanding of one of the world’s most crucial relationships and shows why people-to-people connection matters more than ever.
Author Bio:
Dee Knight serves on the Advisory Council of the Friends of Socialist China (FOSC); also on the China Working Group of the International Committee of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). He was a board member of the National Council for Universal Unconditional Amnesty from 1973 to 1976. He was a publishing consultant for the United Nations Development Programme in the 1990s and worked for Nicaragua’s Sandinista newspaper, Barricada, from 1987 to 1990. In 1975 Knight witnessed the “Carnation Revolution” led by Portugal’s Armed Forces Movement and People’s Power organizations. His reports appeared in New York’s Guardian newspaper. He helped found the American Portuguese Overseas Information Organization (APOIO), a group of journalists in defense of the Portuguese revolution. During the buildup to the U.S. invasion of Iraq in the early 2000s, Knight was part of national organizing efforts to oppose that war. This history is covered in Knight’s political memoir, My Whirlwind Lives: Navigating Decades of Storms, published in 2022. Knight’s writing has been part of ongoing organizing efforts and publications, including Veterans For Peace News, LA Progressive, Hollywood Progressive, Courage To Resist, Workers World, Covert Action Magazine, and CounterPunch. Some of these articles are online at DeeKnight.blog. Chapter Summaries of A Realistic Path To Peace, plus video recordings of some chapters, can be found at realpathtopeace.com, and on the Patreon site, Dee Knight’s Books, Notes and Chats. In 1969 he received the Oregon Peace Educators award.
Testimonials:
“Readers will get a clear picture of what modern life in China is actually like, why the people of China overwhelmingly support their socialist system, and the many ways the world can benefit from the vision of peace and shared prosperity that China offers. Dee Knight brings a wealth of experience to bear in his analysis of the US government’s increasingly erratic and hypocritical warmongering against China. Instead of bullying and antagonizing China, Knight argues, the West should embrace it.”
—Kyle Ferrana, author of Why the World Needs China
“Befriending China, is a joy to read. Knight combines both personal experience traveling and talking to people in China with extensive research about China. The reader gets facts and first-hand observations in a fluid, easy-to-read style that answers many common questions readers may have about China. Why should we befriend China rather than seeking conflict? Because both our nations can win a positive future together, as this book makes abundantly clear.”
—Michael Wong, co-founder of Pivot To Peace, and board member, Veterans For Peace
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