China on Our Minds: History and Policy in the Asia-Pacific World

In: International journal / Canadian Institute of International Affairs, Band 61, Heft 2, S. 453-467

Abstract

In this essay in the special issue on the Sino-Canadian relationship, the author presents a historical discussion of the political terra incognita of China to argue that a broad perspective of Chinas international history will offer more understanding than the study of discrete policy episodes. Chinese economic & political roles are traced through the historical era as the Asian Middle Kingdom, the impacts of British colonization, & the changing Sino-American relationship. The efforts to build an independent Canadian policy are contextualized in the WWII & Cold War policies, & the creation of a modernized Asian-Pacific multilateral organization is prescribed. The author concludes that Chinas return to political & economic power will require a fundamental rethinking about world affairs based on the knowledge of Chinese international history. J. Harwell