What is China? It is a simple question but one that cannot be properly without the help of reading Bill Hayton's book, 'The invention of China'. And, why is the conflict over sovereignty of the Spratly and Paracel islands and atolls so intractable? To understand this also requires reading another one of his works, 'The South China Sea, The Struggle for Power in Asia'.

Bill Hayton is the prototypical guest on the Reorient! podcast -- accomplished, intelligent and possessing deep expertise and a unique perspective. I know of few authors with comparable breadth of experience reporting on geopolitical issues to a global audience and having a deep understanding of the history of Asia. Mr. Hayton's accomplished career as a journalist for the BBC began in the Middle East. His first assignment took him to Iran in 1995 to interview Ayatollah Ali Akbar Mohtashemi to ask him if he organised the Lockerbie bombing. In 1999, he shifted his coverage to European Affairs where he witnessed the struggle over the fate of the post-Soviet Republics, a focal point for Western audiences and policy makers.

Mr Hayton arrived in Asia in 2006, where he reported from Vietnam, which had recently been re-engaged with the United States. He published his first book 'Vietnam, Rising Dragon' and notes that, even today, Vietnam remains a poorly understood country , despite being the 15th most populous nation and subject of many Hollywood movies. Hayton continues to offer insights into the nuances and rich history of countries in Asia with his soon to be released book 'A Brief History of Vietnam'.

During our conversation Hayton helps to untangle and organise the concepts of peoples, nations, empires, cultures and civilisations. He also explains how narratives, interpretations and definitions of history play into political objectives and become their own source of conflict. His informed realism provides a framework and pathways to enhance our mutual understanding of this fascinating and complicated region.

You can find more information on his website www.billhayton.com

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