KARACHI: Speakers at a programme on Wednesday said that academic Dr Junaid Ahmed’s latest book is one of the pioneering works that thoroughly explores China’s civilisation and language, tracing back over 5,000 years of its history.

These views were expressed by former Ambassador to China Hasan Javed, businessman Mian Shaukat Hussain and Professor Dr Athar Ahmed at the launch China Leads.

The event was organised by the Karachi Council on Foreign Relations (KCFR) in collaboration with the Sindh investment department here at a local hotel.

China’s Consul General in Karachi Yang Yundong was the chief guest.

Following the recitation of the Quran, the event began with Tahir Ahmed, the host, introducing the guests and providing the audience with an overview of the book that delves into the history of China.

They said that the book states that in its entire history, China has never attacked any country. It has only defended itself from a number of aggressors throughout its history. Moreover, it contains details of achievements of China in all sectors, alongside comparing it with five other similar size countries including Russia, United States of America (USA), Canada, Brazil and India.

“I have read many books in my life, I can’t quote a number here, but I can tell a good book and a bad book, and this is one of the most comprehensive books on China that I have read recently,” said former envoy Hasan Javed. “This is such a unique book that it should be taught as a textbook,” he added.

Mian Shaukat, who has dealt with China for the past five decades, said: “If someone needs one book to understand China, Dr Junaid Ahmed has written that book. It has everything for you.”

Prof Athar Ahmed, who is an expert in international marketing, also shared similar views and emphasised on the importance of learning history the correct way. He encouraged everyone to give China Leads a read.

The Chinese Consul General Yang appreciated the book and applauded the writer for recording the history of China in such a brief way.

Towards the end of the event, the writer spoke to the audience and answered the questions regarding the book as well.

He informed the audience that there are over 400 references taken from credible resources which are aimed at assisting future students and researchers who are planning to pick China as their research subject.

He said that his aim was to write a book which compiles the brief history of a country which has stayed in very close contact with Pakistan for ages that too in a way that is accessible for readers.

Published in Dawn, May 9th, 2024