The China Mirage

The Hidden History of American Disaster in Asia

By: James Bradley

Narrated by: Pete Larkin

From the bestselling author of Flags of our Fathers, Flyboys, and The Imperial Cruise, a spellbinding history of turbulent U.S.-China relations from the 19th century to World War II and Mao's ascent.

In each of his books, James Bradley has exposed the hidden truths behind America's engagement in Asia. Now comes his most engrossing work yet. Beginning in the 1850s, Bradley introduces us to the prominent Americans who made their fortunes in the China opium trade. As they—good Christians all—profitably addicted millions, American missionaries arrived, promising salvation for those who adopted Western ways.

And that was just the beginning.

From drug dealer Warren Delano to his grandson Franklin Delano Roosevelt, from the port of Hong Kong to the towers of Princeton University, from the era of Appomattox to the age of the A-Bomb, The China Mirage explores a difficult century that defines U.S.-Chinese relations to this day.

180 degrees

Thought provoking, challenges what you thought you knew about Americas wars in Asia. Highly recommended

US political miscalculation of China's intent

Another great hostorical reference of US political ego driven miscalculation with regards to China and their intent. US policy decisions centered around trading Security for proffits leads to war. The loss of blood and treasure fall upon the backs of the nations people to pay the bill for their mistakes.

Worth reading as long as you can think critically.

The author brings up historical details most of us aren’t aware of. From these, he draws conclusions largely sympathetic to communists and critical of some historical figures in our government. The problem is with what’s left out. While the author states Mao was no saint, he spends much more time in praise and pointing out how distinctly unsupportive our government was toward communists. Informed readers might consider weighing this against Mao’s epic body count in his later cultural revolution. Bradley successfully argues that a “China Lobby” working on behalf of the Nationalist side skewed US perception and policy. I would have liked to hear about where things stand with a “China Lobby” working on behalf of the CCP. Bipartisan TikTok ownership legislation stalled in the Senate comes to mind. I found Bradley’s pointing a finger and singing out “your granddaddy was a drug dealer” to the memory of FDR to be pretty weak considering the man’s face is on the dime. By the way, Curt LeMay didn’t have B-52s in 1945 because they didn’t exist then. He had B-29s at that time. Overall, I would pay to read a work by this author on contemporary relations with China. I hope he covers Tiananmen Square in 1989.

An illuminating history

What did you love best about The China Mirage?

It revealed the background of our relations with China and all the missteps the USA took out of ignorance.

What did you like best about this story?

The book was thorough and well researched.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

The 'China Mirage' is quite descriptive.

À Series of American Gaffs in Asia

James Bradley’s thoughtful book on the complicated relationship between the USA and China- really the Far East- is required reading, in my opinion.