In March 2000, a package from the U.S. Congress made its way to Shanghai’s Fudan University, bearing a symbol of gratitude for the late Xie Xide, a prominent Chinese scientist known for his contributions to cultural and scientific exchanges between the United States and China. Within the package lay an American flag that had once flown over the Capitol, representing a time of optimism in the bilateral relations between the two countries.
That spirit of cooperation, however, feels almost foreign today as tensions between the nations escalate. In the recently published book “Chinese Encounters with America: Journeys That Shaped the Future of China,” co-editors Deborah Davis and Terry Lautz shed light on twelve Chinese individuals whose lives reflect a bygone era of positive U.S.-China engagement.
These profiles span various fields, including science, sports, and diplomacy, showcasing the rich tapestry of experiences that defined early interactions between the nations after diplomatic relations were established in 1979. From academic pioneers like Xie Xide to environmentalist Ma Tianjie and diplomat Ji Chaozhu, the book serves as a poignant reminder of the potential for collaboration that once existed.
As competition intensifies in U.S.-China relations, the stories in the book can evoke differing interpretations depending on individual perspectives regarding engagement policy. Nevertheless, Davis and Lautz emphasize that these accounts illustrate the benefits of cooperation despite the tensions of the present day.
In a recent correspondence with NPR, the editors discussed their concerns about the diminishing awareness of shared interests between Americans and Chinese. They opined that the shift in tone can largely be attributed to China’s rapid emergence as a major global power, which the U.S. has interpreted as a challenge to its established order.
The editors remarked, “Washington saw China’s ascent and its hardline diplomacy as a challenge to the existing world order. Beijing viewed the United States as a threat to its interests, particularly regarding Taiwan. This evolving power dynamic has contributed to a climate of fear and distrust, undermining previous assumptions about engagement leading to positive change.”
When considering how encounters with the U.S. have altered these individuals and, by extension, China itself, the co-editors noted that the impact is variable. Those who returned during the politically oppressive Cold War faced different but equally significant challenges compared to those who returned in more prosperous times in the 1990s or early 2000s.
For instance, Xie Xide emerged as a leading physicist after receiving her PhD from MIT in 1951, later breaking barriers as the first woman president of a major Chinese research university in 1983. Her trajectory was sharply contrasted by experiences such as Wang Jisi, who returned from herding sheep in Inner Mongolia to enrollment at Peking University in 1978, reflecting a society undergoing transformation.
The co-editors highlighted the diverse fields represented by the profiled individuals, demonstrating how encounters with America modified their paths and influenced China’s development across various sectors, including education, civil society, and the arts. Lang Ping, for example, transcended national boundaries as a sports celebrity, coaching both the U.S. women’s volleyball team and China’s national team, ultimately leading to gold at the 2014 World Championships.
As the editors sift through these narratives, they find resonance in Ji Chaozhu’s story, a diplomat whose experiences encapsulate the rollercoaster of U.S.-China relations through decades of political upheaval. Ji was sent to the U.S. as a boy and faced intense cultural adjustments upon returning to China. Despite challenges posed by his American upbringing, he remained dedicated to his country and contributed to significant diplomatic efforts, interpreting for key Chinese leaders during crucial historical milestones.
Addressing concerns in the current climate, NPR posed the question of whether any of the profiled individuals viewed their engagement with the United States as a mistake. The editors were clear: none of the featured individuals expressed regret for their experiences in the U.S. Instead, they returned with knowledge that contributed to China’s modernization and elevated its position globally.
Davis and Lautz affirmed, “They came back from the U.S. with knowledge and skills that could be used to make China a strong modern nation. And that’s exactly what they did.”
As the book traverses significant historical events and highlights a landscape of changing relationships, it prompts reflection on the present state of rivalry and distrust. The editors were asked whom they would write about if they were to continue profiling individuals in the current climate. Their response remains open, leaving questions about future narratives surrounding U.S.-China relations.
Ultimately, “Chinese Encounters with America” advocates for a remembrance of the times when mutual understanding appeared not just possible but visibly effective. In light of today’s challenges, the editors underscore the ongoing value in seeking common ground and collaborative endeavors.
The book serves as a seminal collection of stories that navigate the currents of history, presenting lessons in overcoming differences for the sake of mutual progress. In doing so, it illuminates a path for potential reconciliation amid ongoing tensions and serves as a hope for renewed engagement between the two great powers.
image source from：npr
