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China Boys: How U.S. Relations with the PRC Began and Grew
“Nick Platt, a key participant when the Pentagon and the PLA began to talk to each other in 1979–80, illuminates the beginning of what is becoming the key relationship in the world’s military balance.” ––HAROLD BROWN, U.S. Secretary of Defense (1977–1981)
China Boys offers a close-up view of the U.S. opening to China and the pioneer days in U.S.-China relations that followed. Former ambassador and Asia Society president Nicholas Platt recounts the preparations and interplay surrounding the historic Nixon visit to China in 1972, the setting up of America’s first resident diplomatic office in the PRC, and first encounters between American and Chinese Olympic athletes, orchestra maestros, members of Congress, airplane manufacturers, bankers, scientists, and inner city youths. Platt reveals the forging of the first links between the Pentagon and the People’s Liberation Army. He shows how these diverse practical ties evolved into today’s huge and crucial relationship.
NICHOLAS PLATT was an Asia hand, China specialist, and intelligence analyst in the U.S. Foreign Service, with degrees from Harvard and Johns Hopkins and posts at the Department of State, the Department of Defense, and the National Security Council. A three-time ambassador –– to Zambia, the Philippines, and Pakistan –– he was for twelve years president of the Asia Society.