China's rapid economic growth has made it a vital market for the biggest multinational corporations, most of which have invested heavily in China. Yet those corporations face their toughest competition not from other multinationals, but from China's own homegrown businesses. China's entrepreneur class has grown and their businesses are succeeding primarily due to their knowledge of the domestic market, quick adaptation to market changes, and their resourcefulness. To paraphrase Sun Tzu, it is best to know one's enemy. Made in China gives executives at multinationals the inside insight they need to compete with China's homegrown businesses before they lose out.

Unlike dragons of Western lore, fearsome symbols of evil and chaos, the Chinese dragon represents nobility, wisdom and prosperity. The red dragon in particular is associated with luck and good fortune, making it the perfect ingredient to adorn the side of a white cardboard box often used to package goods made in China. The title of the book, the most dominating ingredient of the cover design, also received a traditional seasoning reminiscent of a zhuwen seal printed on official paperwork and contracts.