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:
“Consider the China pride and stagnant self-complacency of mankind. This generation inclines a little to congratulate itself on being the last of an illustrious line; and in Boston and London and Paris and Rome, thinking of its long descent, it speaks of its progress in art and science and literature with satisfaction.... It is the good Adam contemplating his own virtue.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
“They have seemed to be together, though absent; shook hands as over a vast; and embraced as it were from the ends of opposed winds.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)