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Chinese Encounters with America tells the stories of twelve women and men whose American experiences transformed their lives and influenced China’s trajectory, with a particular focus on the period after Beijing and Washington established full diplomatic relations in 1979. Each chapter recounts how these Chinese citizens interpreted America and adapted their understanding to bolster China’s quest for modernization.
Their professions range from diplomacy, business, and science to sports, education, and the arts, but their distinctive stories are united by shared questions: Why did they go the United States, and why did they return to China? What difference did their encounters with America make in their lives and careers? What do their experiences tell us about the complexities of Sino-American interactions?
At a time when US-China relations are contentious, this book challenges the idea that American and Chinese interests and values are incompatible. It shows that personal encounters have been instrumental in finding common ground, even when there are differences and disagreements. Through vivid and engaging profiles, Chinese Encounters with America offers a fresh, nuanced understanding of the world’s most pivotal relationship.
Deborah Davis is professor emerita of sociology at Yale University, distinguished visiting professor at Fudan University, and visiting faculty member of the Schwarzman College at Tsinghua University. Her books include Wives, Husbands, and Lovers: Marriage and Sexuality in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Urban China (2014, coedited with Sara L. Friedman).
Terry Lautz is the author of John Birch: A Life (2016) and Americans in China: Encounters with the People’s Republic (2022). He is the former vice president and secretary of the Luce Foundation and has served as the board chair of the Harvard-Yenching Institute, Lingnan Foundation, and Yale-China Association.
Preface and Acknowledgments
Timeline
Introduction: A Tale of Two Americas, by Terry Lautz
Part I. Cold War and Reconciliation
1. Ji Chaozhu 冀朝铸: Interpreter and Diplomat, by Charles W. Hayford
2. Xie Xide 谢希德: Scientist and Educator, by Deborah Davis and Richard Madsen
3. Zi Zhongyun 资中筠: Public Intellectual, by Steven I. Levine
Part II. Reform and Engagement
4. Wang Jisi 王缉思: America Watcher, by David M. Lampton
5. Marjorie Yang Mun Tak 楊梅德: Entrepreneur and Innovator, by William C. Kirby
6. Zhang Ye 张烨: Civil Society Leader, by Elizabeth Knup
7. Lang Ping 郎平: Sports Icon, by Susan Brownell
8. Yang Meiqi 杨美琦: Modern Dance Pioneer, by Emily Wilcox
Part III. Globalization and Cooperation
9. Deng Xing Wang 邓兴旺: Plant Biologist, by Abigail E. Coplin
10. Hung Huang 洪晃: Social Media Celebrity, by Melinda Liu
11. Ma Tianjie 马天杰: Environmentalist, by Lili Pike
12. Gong Tianpeng 龚天鹏: Musical Prodigy, by Sheila Melvin and Jindong Cai
Conclusion: The Paradox of America, by Terry Lautz
Contributors
Index