Abstract
The book by one of the most prominent diplomats of our time, who has held positions of Secretary of State and National Security Advisor in US administrations, is an authentic account of his observations based on his experiences of dealing with China in his official capacity as well as visits in other capacities.
Divided in 18 Chapters the book could be termed a dissertation on historical, social, political and diplomatic relations of China. It reflects keen observation of the author during his personal encounters with Chinese leaders. The book records author understands of China’s transformation from turmoil to stability.
In the chapter ‘Singularity of China’, Mr. Kissinger explains the special features of Chinese civilization which according to him has no beginning, because it appears in history less as a stereo typed nation-state than a permanent natural phenomenon. Chinese history is marked by many periods of peace and progress as well as civil wars and chaos. The words in a fourteenth century Chinese novel quoted by the author beautifully express Chinese experience of its existence: “The empire, long divided, must unite; long united must divide. Thus it has ever been.” The author attributes the era of Chinese preeminence, to its strategic location as it has smaller states like Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and on its periphery Burma which are populated by different societies. Its unique geographical location made China, in its own perception the center of the world “the Middle Kingdom.”