The Chinese Are Coming is a two-episode BBC documentary series from 2011, presented by journalist Justin Rowlatt. It examines Chinese migration and China’s influence across continents, and should be understood as a documentary from its time rather than a current account of China’s global role.
What is The Chinese Are Coming about?
The series follows the spread of Chinese influence and migration across continents. Its first episode is cataloged as a 52-minute BBC Worldwide production directed and produced by Robin Barnwell. The available program listings describe the series’ broad subject, but do not independently verify the events or claims shown in the films.
Who presents it, and how many episodes are there?
Journalist Justin Rowlatt presents the series. It has two episodes: the first was released in the UK on 8 February 2011, and a series catalog records the second on 15 February 2011.
How scholars have examined the documentary
Scholars have studied how the series represents China, rather than establishing that every claim in the program is accurate. Shasha Wang’s 2021 Routledge chapter, “The language of ‘China threat’: a case study of the BBC television documentary series ‘The Chinese Are Coming’,” examines its “China threat” language. Stephen Harper’s 2012 chapter, “The Chinese are coming!: representations of Chinese soft power in a BBC television documentary,” addresses representations of Chinese soft power.
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These chapter titles establish their subjects, but not their detailed conclusions. They are useful starting points for media analysis, not independent proof of the documentary’s account of China. For claims about China today, consult primary sources and current reporting.
Further reading
| Work | Publication | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Shasha Wang, “The language of ‘China threat’” | 2021, in China’s Contemporary Image and Rhetoric Practice (Routledge) | Language in the documentary series |
| Stephen Harper, “The Chinese are coming!” | 2012 | Representations of Chinese soft power in a BBC documentary |
The Bangor record identifies Wang’s chapter as part of China’s Contemporary Image and Rhetoric Practice, published by Routledge; its ISBN is 9781138502154. Full-text access and retailer availability have not been verified.
Where can you watch The Chinese Are Coming?
Current viewing availability could not be confirmed. Check the BBC or licensed retailers in your territory; do not assume that a particular streaming service or home-video edition carries the series.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.FAQ
Is The Chinese Are Coming a film or a series?
It is a two-episode BBC documentary series.
Who presents The Chinese Are Coming?
Journalist Justin Rowlatt presents the series.
When did the episodes air?
The first episode was released in the UK on 8 February 2011. A series catalog records the second on 15 February 2011.
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Is the series a current account of China?
No. It is a documentary from 2011. Its portrayal should not be treated as a description of China’s present-day global role without checking current sources.
Where is it available to watch now?
Availability has not been verified. Check official BBC listings and licensed retailers for your territory.
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