The policy of "engagement" has defined U.S.-China relations for almost a half century. It didn't have to end this way.
President Nixon holds his chopsticks in the ready position as Premier Zhou Enlai (left) and Shanghai Communist Party leader Zhang Chunqiao reach in front of him for some tidbits at the beginning of the farewell banquet on Feb. 27, 1972. Credit: Bettmann/Contributor
In 1967, as race riots spread across the United States and as the Vietnam War raged on, an astounding 70 percent of Americans agreed on one thing: the greatest threat to U.S. security was the People’s Republic of China. At the time, China was in the throes of one of the most violent, anti-democratic upheavals of the century, The Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution, and Americans feared that the contagion of Mao’s “people’s war” would spread from Indochina around the world.
S
Exclusive longform investigative journalism, Q&As, news and analysis, and data on Chinese business elites and corporations. We publish China scoops you won't find anywhere else.
A weekly curated reading list on China from Andrew Peaple.
A daily roundup of China finance, business and economics headlines.
We offer discounts for groups, institutions and students. Go to our Subscriptions page for details.
The former Biden official and China scholar makes the case for the previous administration's approach and discusses why Beijing is content to watch the U.S. now dismantle its sources of strength
Navigate China's Business Landscape with Confidence.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OKPrivacy policy
