Abstract:

Since the early days of sinology in the U.S., there has been a clear connection between theory and practice. However, it remains unclear how sinology has influenced and shaped American perception of China and its China policy. Based on archival data and original documents, this paper sheds light on the efforts made by China experts in National Committee on U.S.-China Relations （NCUSCR） more than 50 years ago. It demonstrates how the Modernization Paradigm in China studies had helped push America out of the long shadow of McCarthyism, which in turn promoted a rational understanding of China, and helped to turn America′s policy towards China from isolation to engagement. Furthermore, it reveals that the interactive structure of sinology known as “knowledge production-public opinion-China policy” can better explain the logic between theory and practice. This paper provides implications for promoting a better understanding of China in the U.S., and for developing a healthy and stable relationship between China and the U.S.

Key words: National Committee on U.S.-China Relations, sinology in the U.S., perception of China