By John Pomfret
From the clipper ships that ventured to Canton hauling cargos of American ginseng to swap for Chinese tea, and the Yankee missionaries who brought Christianity and education to China, to the Chinese who built the American West, the United States and China have always been dramatically intertwined. While we tend to think of America’s ties with China as starting in 1972 with the visit of President Richard Nixon to China, the patterns---rapturous enchantment followed by angry disillusionment---were set in motion hundreds of years earlier. A fascinating and thrilling account, The Beautiful Country and the Middle Kingdom is also an indispensable book for understanding the most important relationship between any two countries in the world.

The China Maritime Studies turns extended research projects—from antipiracy to ship-building—into publications of interest to scholars, policy makers, and analysts.

The China Maritime Studies turns extended research projects—from antipiracy to ship-building—into publications of interest to scholars, policy makers, and analysts.

CIWAG's researchers produce resources for academics and practitioners on emerging topics related to irregular warfare and armed groups.

The Navy’s Professional Reading Program’s reading list is aligned with the Chief of Naval Operations’ tenets and Lines of Effort (LOE): Strengthening Naval Power at and from the Sea; Achieving High Velocity Outcomes at Every Level; Strengthening Our Navy Team for the Future; and Expanding and Strengthening our Network of Partners. These LOEs have themes common to all sailors — Integrity, Accountability, Initiative, and Toughness. The books are organized by the Lines of Effort

Office of Naval Intelligence news publications and other media.

Office of Naval Intelligence news publications and other media.

Office of Naval Intelligence news publications and other media.

The Navy MWR Digital Library provides online resources for Navy families, Sailors, retirees, and civilians for recreation, professional development, and academic support.

Please note: If blocked from accessing the website at work use: www.mwrdigitallibrary.navy.mil)

By Wolf Melbourne
This article was originally featured on CIMSEC. Permission to post it on the NIP website provided by Wolf Melbourne.