China Hands

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:

    Whether the nymph shall break Diana’s law,
    Or some frail china jarreceive a flaw,
    Or stain her honour, or her new brocade,
    Alexander Pope (1688–1744)

    Will you take your hands off me? What are you playing, osteopath?
    Charles Lederer, screenwriter, and Howard Hawks. Hildy Johnson (Rosalind Russell)