Britain and China, 1967-1972

The volume traces the story of UK-China relations from the height of the Cultural Revolution in 1967 to the exchange of Ambassadors in 1972, using British government documents. It follows attempts by Ministers and officials to formulate policy against the upheaval of the Cultural Revolution, disturbances in Hong Kong, the burning of the British Mission in Beijing and the detention of British subjects (in particular Reuters journalist Anthony Grey). The volume then charts negotiations for an exchange of Ambassadors, a process complicated by President Nixon's rapprochement with China. On 13 March 1972 an agreement was signed and the UK and China resumed full diplomatic relations after a break of 22 years.