On China

By: Henry Kissinger

Narrated by: Nicholas Hormann

Length: 20 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

In this sweeping and insightful history, Henry Kissinger turns for the first time at book length to a country he has known intimately for decades and whose modern relations with the West he helped shape. On China illuminates the inner workings of Chinese diplomacy during such pivotal events as the initial encounters between China and tight line modern European powers, the formation and breakdown of the Sino-Soviet alliance, the Korean War, and Richard Nixon’s historic trip to Beijing. With a new final chapter on the emerging superpower’s 21st-century role in global politics and economics, On China provides historical perspective on Chinese foreign affairs from one of the premier statesmen of our time.

©2011 Henry Kissinger (P)2011 Penguin

Critic reviews

“Fascinating, shrewd...The book deftly traces the rhythms and patterns of Chinese history.” (Michiko Kakutani, The New York Times)

“No one can lay claim to so much influence on the shaping of foreign policy over the past 50 years as Henry Kissinger.” (The Financial Times)

"Fascinating.... In On China, statesman Henry Kissinger draws on historical records and 40 years of direct interaction with four generations of Chinese leaders to analyze the link between China’s ancient past and its present day trajectory. In doing so, the man who helped shape modern East-West relations presents an often unsettling, occasionally hopeful and always compelling accounting of what we’re up against." (The Chicago Sun-Times)

The Struggle for Understanding

The topic is timely .... and timeless. The way forward is not easily discerned by even the most perspicacious and they are not always the most influential in governments. Kissinger displays the capabilities and capacities which justified his position on the world stage, Mr. Hofmann does an excellent job of presenting his words with appropriate gravity. As is too often the case, those who would most benefit from these insights are unlikely to read them.

Helps to understand the global political scenario

The kind of reading we need to in times of uncertainty and Russia x Ukraine war

I loved this diplomat info! The old Swashbuckler

A timing of info. A nod to Nixon's geo-political sense and, tho it pains my heart, to a sentence (that's all I'll give) by John Foster Dulles, the great deceiver/criminal.
Somehow this story is all new to me. The Confucianism, shunning war and more. Seeing Henry as Xi's guest speaking so well a few weeks ago (100 years old, sounding REAL GOOD), seeing the human call for prosperity as overtaking the Nation State's call to war. Long standing alliance against the Polar bear and more...,, like shared goals, strategic threats i.e. No War. From early in Chinese history they Malcolm Gladwell everything.
It is what I see, Chinese..., the new capitalist, without a war machine, so watch out folks, you gotta compete !!
The narration was informative and a streamlined enhancement.

best on audible

I don't think that I would have made it through this book by reading. The language is quite advanced and it the narration helps.

great content too.

Kissinger's relationships with China

Kissinger tells the story of American-Chinese relations through the lens of personal relationships and personalities of political leaders. His contributions are needed to produce a comprehensive perspective on China.

Things you would surely get by listening

1.Have a comprehensive view on how Chinese and American culture differ from the Qing dynasty to modern days.

2. Understand how each of the Chinese leaders builds on another and together transformed from a poor nation bounded by ancient culture to an economic powerhouse with much liberal thoughts. Only Kissinger can have such personal and yet rational observation on each leader's different global politics approach.

Interesting and worthwhile

What made the experience of listening to On China the most enjoyable?

The first half of the book regarding the how Kissinger feels China's history has created Chinese culture as we see it today was interesting. The last third of the book regarding his negotiations was less interesting and I do not agree with several of his interpretations, but that is also what makes this book valuable, to hear other experts' interpretations of China.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

The reader's pronunciation of Mandarin words made me cringe.

Learn

Thanks, I learned about the competition across the pond. Get us more knowledge. For victory

Best book on China

This book tops all other books that I have ever read about China, whether it was a non-fiction or a fiction, whether it was written by Chinese, American, or Chinese-American. My view on this, though not authoritative, has some validities. For after all, I have lived 45% of my life in China and the other 55% here in the West.

The book provided no earth-shaking views of any kind, rather it showed Kissinger’s deep understanding of China. What is an understanding? It is knowing, the knowledge of something that transcends the barriers of language. Kissinger articulated complex, subtle and delicate topics at such an ease, that one was made to feel as if s/he was visiting an old friend. Every word was something one already knew, but only now being spoken out aloud. It was ingenious.

Excellent - Provides a truly broad scope of China

Would you listen to On China again? Why?

Provides a truly broad scope of China and how it perceives itself and it's place in the world. (And why ! )

I will listen to the book again because all of it is worthy of total understanding.

What did you like best about this story?

The broad scope and the first person detail that is not apparent to the media "entertainers".

Which scene was your favorite?

Insight into meetings, conferences, understandings, misunderstandings, and ambiguities.

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

How diplomacy is really conducted out of the public view and how it can be made to work for the mutual benefit of the various parties at different times, place and geopolitical balancing.

Any additional comments?

An excellent presentation of China / US / and world geopolitics.