The United States and China Since World War II: A Brief History: A Brief History

This book surveys the complicated history of U.S.-Chinese relations. After two brief chapters providing historical context, the focus shifts to the mid-twentieth century, the wartime alliance, the war's bitter aftermath, and the decades since World War II, including the path from normalisation to China's hosting of the 2008 Summer Olympics. The author traces the ways in which the two countries have managed the blend of common and competitive interests in their economic and strategic relationships; the shifting political base for Sino-American relations within each country; the emergence and dissolution of rival political coalitions supporting and opposing the relationship; the evolution of each society's perceptions of the other; and ongoing differences regarding controversial topics like Taiwan and human rights.