Crossing the Divide: An Insider's Account of the Normalization of U.S. China Relations

Ambassador John H. Holdridge provides a fascinating insider's account of the complex and often arduous process of normalizing diplomatic relations between the United States and the People's Republic of China after three decades of mutual hostility. More than a memoir, Crossing the Divide illuminates the broad sweep of U.S.-China relations after World War II. With eloquence and profound insight, Holdridge describes the enormity of the divide between the two countries, summarizes the broad range of impediments to establishing and maintaining diplomatic relations, and demonstrates the significance of continuing efforts by both countries to overcome these obstacles. A book in the ADST-DACOR Diplomats and Diplomacy Series.

Table of Contents:
Chapter 1 Foreword Chapter 2 Preface Chapter 3 Root Causes of United States-China Differences Chapter 4 The United States and China Turn towards Normalization Chapter 5 Secret Flight to Beijing, 1971 Chapter 6 Preparations for the Nixon China Trip Chapter 7 The Nixon China Trip and the Shanghai Communiquè Chapter 8 Following up the Nixon Visit Chapter 9 Opening the Liaison Offices Chapter 10 Two Different Social Systems Coexisting Together Chapter 11 USLO and Internal Chinese Political Developments Chapter 12 Buildup to Full Normalization Chapter 13 The Impact of Vietnam and Cambodia on Normalization of U.S.-China Relations Chapter 14 Normalization's Status during the Carter and Reagan Years Chapter 15 Working towards a U.S.-China Joint Communiquè on Arms Sales to Taiwan Chapter 16 Agreement: The Joint Communiquè on Arms Sales to Taiwan Chapter 17 In Retrospect-and Looking Ahead Appendix 18 A: The Shanghai Communiquè, 28 February 1972 Appendix 19 B: Joint communiquè on Establishment of DiplomaticRelations between the United States of America and the People's Republic of China Appendix 20 C: U.S.-China Joint Communiquè (on Arms Sales), 17 August 1982

About the Author :
During his distinguished diplomatic career, John H. Holdridge was Henry Kissinger's senior staff member for East Asia at the National Security Council (1969-1972), deputy chief of the U.S. Liaison Office in Beijing (1973-1975), ambassador to Singapore (1975-1978), national intelligence officer for East Asia and the Pacific (1979-1981), assistant secretary of state for East Asia and the Pacific (1981-1983), and ambassador to Indonesia (1983-1986). He has been a consultant and writer since his retirement in 1986.

Review :
It is refreshing to have the candid views of a true insider regarding the evolution of U.S.-China relations over the past three decades. Holdridge was on the scene at times when history was made, and he has given us a fresh view of many crucial events. Ambassador Holdridge's book is an insider's account enlivened with humorous anecdotes. The author's views, which reflect experience and wisdom, are instructive to scholars, policymakers and the general public. A unique first-person account of Sino-American relations. It is a gold mine for both scholars and lay observers, deceptively low key, balanced, comprehensive, and full of personal color. I recommend it in the strongest terms. As one who lived through much of the evolution of US-China relations after the opening phases, I recommend this book as an extension and verification of much that has appeared in print about that exciting era. He has contributed much background and atmosphere to help us understand this significant process. Twenty-five years ago the Shanghai Communique surprised us and ushered in a new era in US-Chinese relations. In this book a skilled, professional insider with a memory for details leads us through this germinal event and describes many of the ups and downs which have since occurred. Tomorrow's world should ponder the message and the context now that there are only two superpowers left to dominate the future of world peace. Fills important gaps in the history as previously presented . . . a valuable contribution to the literature, which will prove helpful to both historians and students. This book offers an important addition to the memoirs of this dramatic period in Sino-U.S. relations. Holdridge provides much detailed insight into the nuts and bolts of Sino-American diplomacy... Historians will find many points of detail interesting. Holdridge offers a timely and valuable corrective to a widespread and dangerouse misconception. The book is strongest in its accounts of Holdridge's first-hand experiences. Holdridge has given us a fascinating account of the building of Sino-U.S. relations, one that will interest specialists in the field as well as general audiences. Crossing the Divide is a valuable addition to the body of history on U.S.-China relations...