New Books Network Yanqiu Zheng, "In Search of Admiration and Respect: Chinese Cultural Diplomacy in the United States, 1875–1974" (U Michigan Press, 2024)
Nov 21, 2025
Yanqiu Zheng, an author and historian focusing on modern Chinese cultural diplomacy, discusses his new book, which explores China's quest for admiration in the U.S. from 1875 to 1974. He highlights the role of institutions like the China Institute in shaping cultural narratives amid geopolitical challenges. Zheng emphasizes the importance of material infrastructure over mere politeness in cultural exchanges. He also contrasts historical and contemporary approaches to cultural outreach, including the impact of the PRC's exhibitions in the U.S. and the legacy of funding dynamics during the Cold War.
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Passport Politics In Archive Access
- Zheng describes immigration limbos when traveling to Taiwan, including being briefly denied access to presidential archives over his passport.
- He uses this to show how researcher mobility and archive access depend on nationality and permits.
Research Relies On People And Funding
- Zheng recounts challenges accessing Chinese databases and archives after leaving major research centers, praising Columbia librarians for support.
- He highlights how fellowships and grants physically enable archival research across countries.
Opening With A Public Feud
- Yanqiu Zheng opens his book with the Pearl S. Buck vs. Zhang Kanghu exchange to highlight power imbalances in who speaks for China.
- He uses the New York Times debate to show how gender, class, and platform shaped China’s international image.
