China Cross Talk: The American Debate Over China Policy Since Normalization: A Reader [Paperback]

Scott Kennedy (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0742517861 | ISBN-13: 978-0742517868 | Publication Date: January 15, 2003

The biggest untapped market in the world? The last great communist threat? The free-trade partner? The human rights scourge? China Cross Talk provides a front-row seat to the most memorable scenes in the American debate over China policy since 1978. Representing the full spectrum of opinion on this divisive issue, selections range from op-ed articles and commentaries to speeches by leading government officials; from congressional testimony to editorial cartoons. They touch upon the whole range of security, economic, and political issues that have affected the relationship, including the benefits and dangers of diplomatic recognition, managing Taiwan, most-favored-nation status, China's Olympic bids, proliferation, growing Chinese power, and the April 2001 plane collision incident over the South China Sea. As firsthand intellectual history, this anthology allows participants in the debate to speak in their own voices. Spanning a quarter century, it offers readers the chance to see how the dispute has evolved and how even some individuals have changed their positions, sometimes radically. While the book focuses on China policy, the debate is emblematic of the broader conversation America has engaged in over the past century about its proper role in the world. As such, China Cross Talk should interest students of U.S.-China relations and American foreign policy, the policy community, and general readers.

Editorial Reviews

Review

The U.S.-China relationship is today the most difficult bilateral relationship for the United States, and one of the most important bilateral relationships for the world. The raging debates encapsulated in the valuable book remind us that we have a great deal at stake in China, and that it is imperative that America get China policy right. (Hamilton, Lee H. )

[R]emarkably successful in telling big stories through collections of documents….The documents capture both the passionate spirit of the debates and the widespread search for better understanding of the Chinese government and peoples. (Pye, Lucian W. Foreign Affairs )

A valuable endeavor for both teachers and students, one that will prove useful in current policy debates as well as in the classroom. (Indiana University Faculty Easc Newsletter )

Not only does this book provide a firsthand intellectual history of the debate, but it also allows both sides of the debate to speak for themselves without any intervening interpretation by a second party....This book will provoke, push, and prod you on every important issue, and perhaps change your perceptions in regards to the most appropriate American policies toward China. The selection of original documents . . . are all helpful in allowing the reader to understand past U.S. China policy, and the selection of articles addresses the pros and cons of specific China policies. (Pacific Affairs )

China Crosstalk is a useful compilation, convenient for both specialists and students. (Kenneth C. Walker The Royal Society For Asian Affairs )

[R]emarkably successful in telling big stories through collections of documents?.The documents capture both the passionate spirit of the debates and the widespread search for better understanding of the Chinese government and peoples..... (Pye, Lucian W. Foreign Affairs )

A useful compilation, convenient for both specialists and students. (Asian Affairs )

About the Author

Scott Kennedy is assistant professor, East Asian Languages and Cultures Department, and adjunct assistant professor, Political Science Department, at Indiana University.

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers (January 15, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0742517861
• ISBN-13: 978-0742517868
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 6.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #853,015 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best book on comtemporary US-China Policy, March 27, 2003

By 

Michael S. Rennie (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: China Cross Talk: The American Debate Over China Policy Since Normalization: A Reader (Paperback)

Simply outstanding. This should be required reading for any student of contemporary US foreign affairs or US-China relations. I've ready a lot of mediocre books on the subject over the years, but this is a keeper. Well-organized, nicely woven themes.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect primer on US/ SINO Relations, March 7, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: China Cross Talk: The American Debate Over China Policy Since Normalization: A Reader (Paperback)

This is an excellent compilation of US/ SINO relations. Kennedy weaves divergent perspectives to give the reader a well rounded POV into the history and future of the US's relationship with the middle kingdom.