As the second volume of the two-volume Industrial Development in Modern China: Comparisons with Japan that studies the different paths of industrialization and economic modernization between China and Japan, this book explores the process of economic and industrial development in the Republic of China (1912-1949).

Backed up by extensive industrial statistical data gathered and rigorously analyzed by the author, this book stands out from previous research that has been limited to theoretical inferences and general judgments with scarce empirical evidence. So, far from being a purely historical review of China's industrial development, this book focuses on the internal logic of economic phenomena, especially the relationship among economic variables reflected in economic data, and it offers discussions within the framework of economic development theory. It sheds light on how China came to be a comparative economic laggard in the period, especially in comparison to Japan. The author uses multivariate statistical analysis to draw comparisons between the industrial development of China and that of Japan, focusing on outbound investment and its importance for economic growth.

This volume will appeal to academics and general readers interested in the economic development and modern economic history of East Asia, as well as development economics and industrial and technological history.