In this book Michael Riccards, renowned scholar of the American presidency, focuses his study on the vagaries of presidential leadership between nations. Tracing the history of the often difficult and contentious diplomatic relations between the United States and China, Riccards describes and analyzes various meetings and interactions. He concludes that war and trade necessities intimately bound the histories of both nations—often in spite of their individual rhetoric and initiatives. Students and scholars whose focus is the points of contact between U.S. and Asian history will find this book essential reading.