The US Foreign Policy with China and the Status of Taiwan, 1776-1979

This groundbreaking work offers a comprehensive examination of United States foreign policy toward China and the complex question of Taiwan's status, spanning over two centuries from America's founding to the normalization of US-China relations in 1979.

Drawing extensively from official US government documents, diplomatic records, and historical archives, this book traces the evolution of American strategic thinking and policy decisions regarding China and Taiwan through critical periods including the Qing Dynasty, the Republic of China era, World War II, the Chinese Civil War, and the Cold War.

The analysis reveals how US policymakers navigated competing interests—from trade and missionary activities in the 19th century to strategic considerations during the Pacific War and the subsequent ideological confrontation of the Cold War. Special attention is given to the pivotal decisions surrounding Taiwan's status, including the Cairo and Potsdam Declarations, the post-war period, and the eventual shift toward recognizing the People's Republic of China.

Essential reading for scholars, policymakers, and anyone seeking to understand the historical foundations of contemporary US-China relations and the enduring Taiwan question.