The China Journals

More about the book

These private journals, now available for the first time, document Hugh Trevor-Roper's visit to the People's Republic of China in autumn 1965, just before the Cultural Revolution. His account details the frustrations he faced during the trip, narrated with the irony and flair of a skilled storyteller. Despite his long-standing interest in China's history and politics, Trevor-Roper's attempts to engage with the authentic life and thoughts of the country were thwarted by state propaganda and the oppressive oversight of Party guides. The visit was organized by the Society for Anglo-Chinese Understanding, which claimed to promote cultural exchange but was effectively controlled by a Communist faction that outmaneuvered its well-connected members. Upon returning to England, Trevor-Roper, with assistance from MI5, sought to uncover the society's true nature, leading to a significant public controversy that he vividly recounts. The narrative concludes with his reflections on a subsequent trip to Taiwan and Southeast Asia in 1967, showcasing his historical perspective and unwavering commitment to defending liberal values against ideological threats.