Book description
In 1971 Henry Kissinger took the historic step of reopening relations between China and the West, and since then has been more intimately connected with the country at the highest level than any other western figure. This book distils his unique experience, examining China's history from the classical era to…
Why read it?
3 authors picked On China as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
To understand China today—its ambitions, its assertiveness, and its strategy under Xi Jinping—we need to understand its history and philosophy.
In this book, Henry Kissinger draws on decades of firsthand dialogues and anecdotes he had with Mao and Zhou Enlai, to explain how China views the world. As China blends historical memory with long-term strategic vision, Kissinger shows that China doesn’t just play by different rules—it sees the game differently. This book is essential for anyone seeking to understand China today.
From Matthieu's list on understand XXIst century international relations.
Most Americans misunderstand China, even though one of their greatest statesmen, Henry Kissinger, wrote this brilliant book explaining how the Chinese view the world very differently from the West. One simple example explains it well. The West plays chess, which aims for total victory. The Chinese play weiqi, which aims for protracted campaigns and strategic encirclement.
American strategic thinkers accuse China of military belligerence. Yet, China, unlike the US, hasn’t fought a major war in 45 years. Why not? Kissinger cites Sun Tzu to explain: “Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle but in defeating the enemy without ever…
From Kishore's list on the Asian 21st Century.
Written by America’s former Secretary of State, this book is the one to read for Westerners to understand today’s China and some of its history. Mr. Kissinger successfully used some well-known Chinese stories, historical events, and Chinese games to communicate his message. The effects of the Opium War in 1840, The Romance of the Three Kingdoms, and the board game weiqi (Go) were all accurately and thoroughly examined as instruments to understand today’s China. Mr. Kissinger and his collaborators performed a fantastic job translating Chinese classic works into English.
From Shaoyu's list on understanding China and Chinese culture.
If you love On China...
Hedging and Conflict in the South China Sea
This book unpacks the conflicting and competing interpretations of what is going on in the South China Sea.
It will allow readers to understand the depth and complexity of the issues. It expands our understanding by looking not only at the competing imaginaries of China and the US but also…
Want books like On China?
Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like On China.
Share your top 3 reads of 2025!
And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.
1,276
readers submitted
so far, will you?
