Water Torture — Fritz Galt

A cast of lovable characters must infiltrate China to save its leadership from a watery death. A compelling read! - Midwest Book Review 
 
In this epic adventure, Brad West is an extraordinary new hero, an anthropology student with an in-depth knowledge of history, but little grasp of today's geopolitical realities. When he falls in love with a mysterious Chinese woman, he can't anticipate the enormous ramifications for his country. Until he learns he is a pawn in a U.S. government project. When his Chinese girlfriend suddenly disappears from his college campus, Brad and his zany cast of friends find themselves on a direct flight to Hong Kong. In a dramatic collision between the exotic lifestyle of American grad students and the inscrutable Orient, not only must they hurdle linguistic and cultural barriers and evade Chinese security forces, but Brad must track down a madman intent on overthrowing Beijing and stealing his girl.
 
Water Torture is the 1st book in the Brad West Spy Thriller series, but you may enjoy reading the series in any order.