China Hands
The term China Hand originally referred to 19th-century merchants in the treaty ports of China, but evolved to reflect anyone with expert knowledge of the language, culture, and people of China. In 1940s America, the term "China Hands" came to refer to a group of American diplomats, journalists, and soldiers who were known for their knowledge of China and influence on American policy before, during, and after World War II. In Mandariin Chinese, "China hand" would be translated as Zhong guo tong (simplified Chinese: 中国通; traditional Chinese: 中國通; pinyin: Zhōng gúo tōng; literally "China expert").
Read more about China Hands: The Men Who "lost" China, Recognized China Hands
Famous quotes containing the words china and/or hands:
“Anyone who tries to keep track of what is happening in China is going to end up by wearing all the skin of his left ear from twirling around on it.”
—Robert Benchley (1889–1945)
“Test every work of intellect or faith
And everything that your own hands have wrought,
And call those works extravagance of breath
That are not suited for such men as come
Proud, open-eyed and laughing to the tomb.”
—William Butler Yeats (1865–1939)