In a series of encounters with both Chinese and Mongolians, Ruben paints a concerning picture of a country that is supposed to be democratic. Unfortunately, China's long arm easily extends across the border. The vast Mongolia, with only 3.5 million inhabitants, is squeezed between the communist giants Russia and China. Large international musical productions aim to show the world that they are different: independent and democratic. However, under pressure from China, there is no room for anti-Chinese sentiments, and refugees from China, fleeing oppression in neighboring Inner Mongolia, are not safe in Mongolia

Australia is one of the few Western countries that exports more to China than it imports. Politically an ally of the West, but economically tied to China. How free is the wealthy Australia really? Ruben meets veterans and asks them this question. He travels along the west coast, where the lobster industry is being severely impacted by the trade restrictions that have been in place since the coronavirus pandemic. And he speaks with elderly Chinese who reflect on the complicated relationship between the two countries.

Suriname
China's global expansion drive is clearly visible in Suriname. From deep within the impenetrable Surinamese rainforest to the Brownsberg nature reserve, Ruben encounters Chinese shopkeepers, Chinese gold miners, and Chinese gold traders everywhere. Ninety percent of all supermarkets in the capital, Paramaribo, are owned by Chinese, and Suriname has an enormous debt due to Chinese loans and investments. The Chinese are also very active in the exploitation of Suriname's rich natural resources, such as gold and timber, with fatal consequences for the indigenous population and nature.

In poor Laos, China has moved entire villages to build rails for a flashy speed train to the capital Vientiane. Laos is also building countless dams on the Mekong and its tributaries with Chinese money, with the aim of becoming the 'battery' of Southeast Asia and thus lifting itself out of poverty. Ruben visits a small fishing community that takes action on the banks of the Mekong in Thailand. Their way of life has now become almost impossible. In Laos, Ruben boards the new train. In a village that was moved for the train, there is still one old couple living in their old house.

Ruben Terlou visits the Solomon Islands, the unknown island state that symbolizes the increasing rivalry between China and the West. China provided a new stadium, many loans and medical aid in exchange for cutting ties with Taiwan. A security treaty allows China to send police officers, resulting in a violent uprising among the local population. Ruben meets tradesmen in Chinatown whose shops were set on fire. And on Malaita, where most of the rioters come from, he meets the man blamed for the riots. Why don't the Solomon Islanders want China?