In July 1971, US National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger made a secret visit to China, marking a pivotal moment in US-China relations and contemporary history. This visit initiated a partnership that significantly influenced both nations, as the US invested in China's economic growth and supported its entry into the WTO, laying the groundwork for China's emergence as a global power. Over four decades, a discreet pact between the two countries benefitted them both; the US aimed to encourage China towards adopting Western practices, including democracy. Meanwhile, China leveraged its economic and military growth to expand its influence worldwide, with successive generations of Chinese leaders advancing their nation's interests at the expense of the US. Now, fifty years post-Kissinger's visit, the US and China find themselves in a trade war that hints at a potential new Cold War. While Washington contemplates 'de-coupling' from a China that increasingly challenges its global dominance, China has solidified its power across Eurasia and poses military and economic threats to its neighbors, including Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Australia, the Philippines, Indonesia, and India. This collection of critical essays explores the profound impact, consequences, and legacy of Kissinger's groundbreaking visit and its role in shaping the current world order.
