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"China Mountain Zhang" is a science fiction novel by Maureen F. McHugh, first published in 1992. The novel explores themes of identity, culture, and technology through the story of its protagonist, Zhang Zhong Shan, a gay man living in a future version of China where the country has become the dominant superpower in the world.

The novel is divided into three parts, each of which tells a different stage in Zhang's life. In the first part, Zhang is a student at a technical school where he is studying to become an engineer. He is struggling to come to terms with his sexuality and his feelings of alienation from his classmates and society. In the second part, Zhang has become a successful engineer working on a top-secret project for the government. He is also beginning to explore his sexuality more openly, but he still feels like an outsider in both his personal and professional life. In the final part, Zhang has retired from his job and is living in the United States, where he finally feels like he belongs.

Throughout the novel, McHugh uses the character of Zhang to explore the complex relationship between identity and technology. Zhang is a gifted engineer, but he feels like he doesn't belong in the world of technology because of his sexuality. He is also an outsider in the world of society because of his profession. In this way, the novel highlights the ways in which our identity and our relationship to technology are inextricably linked.

One of the most interesting themes of the novel is the way that it portrays the future China as a superpower, in contrast to the present day China, this creates a sense of cultural displacement. McHugh also uses the character of Zhang to explore the relationship between China and the rest of the world. As a Chinese person living in the United States, Zhang is able to see the differences between the two cultures and the ways in which they are both similar and different. This exploration of cultural differences and similarities adds a layer of complexity to the novel and helps to make it more than just a simple story about a gay man's struggles.

In addition, McHugh also touches on the theme of love and relationships, particularly through Zhang's relationship with his lover, Julian. Despite the challenges they face as a gay couple, their love for each other is a constant throughout the novel and serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.

In conclusion, "China Mountain Zhang" is a thought-provoking science fiction novel that explores themes of identity, culture, and technology through the story of its protagonist, Zhang Zhong Shan. Through his character and his experiences, the novel highlights the ways in which our identity and our relationship to technology are inextricably linked, and also the different cultural perspectives and the resilience of the human spirit. The novel is well-written and provides a fresh perspective on science fiction and the future of China.