Crossing The Divide

Ambassador John H. Holdridge provides a fascinating insider's account of the complex and often arduous process of normalizing diplomatic relations between the United States and the People's Republic of China after three decades of mutual hostility. More than a memoir, Crossing the Divide illuminates the broad sweep of U.S.-China relations after World War II. With eloquence and profound insight, Holdridge describes the enormity of the divide between the two countries, summarizes the broad range of impediments to establishing and maintaining diplomatic relations, and demonstrates the significance of continuing efforts by both countries to overcome these obstacles. A book in the ADST-DACOR Diplomats and Diplomacy Series.

Ambassador John H. Holdridge provides a fascinating insider's account of the complex and often arduous process of normalizing diplomatic relations between the United States and the People's Republic of China after three decades of mutual hostility. More than a memoir, Crossing the Divide illuminates the broad sweep of U.S.-China relations after World War II.

During his distinguished diplomatic career, John H. Holdridge was Henry Kissinger's senior staff member for East Asia at the National Security Council (1969-1972), deputy chief of the U.S. Liaison Office in Beijing (1973-1975), ambassador to Singapore (1975-1978), national intelligence officer for East Asia and the Pacific (1979-1981), assistant secretary of state for East Asia and the Pacific (1981-1983), and ambassador to Indonesia (1983-1986). He has been a consultant and writer since his retirement in 1986.