BOOK: Made in China

By Amelia Pang | Amazon.com | 286 pages
Published in February of 2021

SUMMARY: Amelia Pang‘s Made in China explores the disturbing reality of forced labor camps in China through the lens of one man’s heartbreaking experience. The book centers around Sun Yi, a Chinese engineer imprisoned in Masanjia labor camp for practicing Falun Gong, a spiritual discipline banned by the Chinese government. While detained, Sun secretly writes a letter detailing the inhumane conditions and torture endured by prisoners, which was discovered by an American woman, Julie Keith, who found it in packaged with a foam Halloween gravestone purchased from Kmart. This discovery led to international attention on the issue of forced labor in China and sparked efforts to address human rights abuses in global supply chains.

Pang meticulously investigates Sun’s story and delves into the broader implications of cheap goods produced under such conditions. She exposes how multinational corporations unknowingly or knowingly source products made by forced laborers in China’s prison camps, highlighting the ethical dilemmas and moral responsibilities involved in consumerism and global trade. Through extensive research and interviews, Pang not only sheds light on the hidden cost of cheap goods but also humanizes the individuals behind them, giving voice to those who are silenced and oppressed.

From a Christian worldview, Made in China resonates deeply with themes of justice, compassion, and the inherent dignity of every human being. It underscores the biblical call to care for the marginalized and oppressed, challenging readers to consider the ethical implications of their purchasing choices. The book confronts the stark realities of exploitation and suffering caused by unchecked consumerism, prompting reflection on how Christians can advocate for justice and righteousness in a globalized economy.

Moreover, Yi’s story parallels narratives of persecution and resilience found throughout Christian history and scripture. His unwavering faith and courage in the face of persecution resonate with biblical accounts of martyrs and believers who stood firm in their convictions. His letter, a desperate cry for help, echoes the cries of the oppressed throughout scripture whom God hears and calls His people to defend.

Ultimately, Made in China offers not only a compelling narrative but also a powerful challenge to Christians to align their actions with their faith. It urges readers to seek justice, uphold human dignity, and advocate for the oppressed, embodying the values of compassion and righteousness central to the Christian faith. By engaging with the book’s revelations and insights, readers are encouraged to pursue ethical consumption practices that honor God’s call to love our neighbors as ourselves and to work towards a world where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. In this way, Made in China serves as a poignant reminder of the Christian responsibility to pursue justice and uphold human rights in a globalized world.

If you liked Made in China, try Cobalt Red where author Siddharth Kara writes about the human rights and environmental catastrophe in the Congo cobalt mining trade.

KEY QUOTE: “During our endless search for the newest trends for the lowest prices, we become complicit in the forced-labor industry. Chinese manufacturers often believe they have no choice but to secretly outsource to gulags, because they cannot meet the global consumer demand for budget prices and the latest trends. Studies have shown it is precisely brands’ demands for lower prices, faster production, and fulfillment of unanticipated orders that compel factories to illegally subcontract work to places like labor camps.”

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BONUS: Listen to Pang discuss her book on Boise State’s Reader’s Corner podcast.

DID YOU KNOW? Sunday to Saturday has a Good Reads page where we post all of the books we have read – even the ones that didn’t make the cut.

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