How do we understand the evolution of central-local relations in China during the reform period? This book addresses this question by focusing on eight separate issues in which the central-local relationship has been especially salient - government finance, investment control, regional development, administrative zoning, implementation, culture, social welfare and international relations. "an informative book on the varied aspects of the relations between the local and central level with the interesting finding that the trend in recent years.is more into decentralization on the economical field while recentralization is taking place on the social field." Jan Jonckheere, Chinasquare "this book opens new venues for studies of central-local relations in China, compiling arguments that used to be separated and offering a solid base on which to draw further research. It should be a starting point for anyone seeking to understand the consequences of decentralisation and re-centralisation in post-1978 China." Camille Boullenois, China Perspectives