American Chinese Studies And The Adjustment US Policy Toward China(1964-1979)

It is common knowledge that there exists a close tie between U.S.academia and U.S.foreign policy.Such close connection is also found between America's China policy and China Studies.China–United States relations broke the ice in 1971.Prior to the icebreaking visit of Dr.Kissinger,then US President's Assistant to the State Affairs,in July 1971,the two countries had tried in many ways to probe the other side's willingness for rapprochement.America's China Studies,which evolved from traditional sinology,played an important role in the U.S.government's adjustment of its China policy and the warming-up of its relations with China.This thesis begins from the integration the history of America's China Studies and the changes in China policy.From the perspective of America's China Studies,this thesis examines how America's China Studies intervened and influenced America's China policy and analyzes the long-term influence of America's China Studies' involvement in the development of China–United States relations.Based on the China volume from Foreign Relations of the United States(1964-1980)produced by U.S.Department of State,the original record of the 1966 Senate Foreign Relations Committee's hearing on China policy,the original record of1977 House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs' hearing on the normalization of China–United States relations,and other first-hand materials,this thesis examines the impact of America's China Studies on the adjustment of China policy from multiple dimensions.For example,hearings that directly influenced public opinion toward China and forced the US government to initiate internal discussions on the adjustment of China policy;students of China Studies who later become government officials and directly deal with China policymaking and the normalization of relations between the two countries.This thesis aims to prove the following conclusions: 1.America's China Studies is the main force that shapes America's public perception of China.Through academic researches,America's China Studies shapes people's perception of China,and then influences public opinions in the United States,which is one of the most important external environments for the U.S.government to adjust its policy toward China.2.America's China Studies has contributed substantial content to the U.S.China policy.During the period of Sino-American conflict,America's China Studies conducted abundant researches on political issues,economic issues,military issues and other issues in Chinese mainland,and had produced rich research results.These research results constitute an important source for the US government to understand the internal situation of the Chinese mainland,and also form a basic judgment on the direction of China's development,which is substantially helpful for the US government to form China policy framework.3.America's China Studies has made a comprehensive prediction and analysis of Sino-American relations after the two established diplomatic ties and US-Taiwan relations,which has been adopted by next US governments.The current China–United States relations have not gone beyond the forecasts America's China Studies made in the 1970 s.America's China Studies' analysis of the US-Taiwan relationship has provided an important reference for the US government to maintains unofficial diplomatic relations with Taiwan,making it an unavoidable problem for China and America.The recommendations of America's China Studies on how the US government should deal with the Taiwan question after the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States are the "technical reasons" why the Taiwan question has become the most sensitive issue in Sino-US relations.4.As the main source of America's perception of China,America's China Studies and its basic stance on China issues have long influenced the US government.The research results of America's China Studies can help us to better predict the America's moves in the development of Sino-American relations,which is of great practical significance.