The handover of Hong Kong and Macau to China offered the triads the opportunity to make a pact with their former communist enemy. They offered their support to the government in exchange for a substantial share of the country's economic development. Although officially repressed in mainland China, the Chinese Communist Party was interested in their money and entrepreneurial spirit. Overly flashy gangsters gave way to more discreet businessmen. But the triads ended up posing a danger to Xi Jinping's China.
Founded in the 17th century, the triads have built their myth around fighting China's enemies. Who are they? What role do they play in Chinese culture and history? What business are they involved in? What are their strategies?
