Masked by the often extreme and simplistic stereotyping of the Chinese as an ethnic group lies the fact that theirs is an old and complex civilisation marked by cultural richness.

In the conclusion of a two-part report , eminent scholar Prof Wang Gungwu explores, among other issues, the dialect of unity and diversity within the Chinese cultural universe.

He also comments on China's response to modernity since coming into contact with Western forces and ideas in the late 19 ^th century.

Its responses, as well as that of the contemporary Islamic world, may produce different outcomes because the belief-system and historical background are not the same.