Henry Kissinger On China

'Henry Kissinger On China' by Henry Kissinger is a very extensive and knowledgeable read. Each chapter brings forth history that Henry Kissinger has learned from the decades he has spent in China. Henry Kissinger is more well-known and accepted by the Chinese, than our Presidents. Henry Kissinger was the National Security Advisor under President Nixon and was sent over to China to relieve tensions between the two nations. He single handedly ended 23 years of isolation and mutual hostility between America and China.
In the book, Kissinger talks about these first travels to China. He also instills the ancient history of China and explains the influences of the dynasty eras in their culture. What is most interesting about this read is when Kissinger explains the knowledge he has gain from the four generations of Chinese leaders he has befriended. The book is completely filled with historically information on different eras in Chinese culture. Kissinger explains the impact of; the Opium War, Korean War, the third Vietnam War and many more. One chapter I found most interesting was, "The End of the Mao Era." Visiting Tiananmen Square and seeing Mao's large picture hanging above the gate is so prominent of what he means to the Chinese people. Kissinger had the privilege of meeting with Mao and told about their conversations and how the first time he met with Mao he was already ill. This chapter outlines the after math of the crisis over Lin Biao. Mao did not have a successor and in his last day he needed to find a way to leave China with his beliefs and values. The chapter goes on to explain what Mao did in his last dying years, which is very interesting.
Overall, the book explains so much interesting history it is hard to comment on any of it. Kissinger does an amazing job of explaining the values and beliefs of the Chinese people. After reading this book I felt I had a better understanding of the values that the Chinese hold and have a hard time explaining to foreigners, like Guanxi. This was a great book and I would recommend that everyone read it.